Tri-Service

No Word From Royal Navy On Crab Pot Compensation

Two Plymouth fishermen say they have not received any compensation after German Navy vessels "ruined their livelihoods" by destroying their crabbing pots.

It was alleged in November that the mammoth Die Bonn and Frankfurt Am Main supply ships had caused thousands of pounds of damage to fishing equipment off the coast of Plymouth, with the Royal Navy confirming at the time that it was investigating.

The ships, which are both 174 metres long, were taking part in international exercises organised by the Royal Navy's Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) base in Plymouth.

Die Bonn in Plymouth in last year. Photo: Lewis Clarke

Brothers Brian and Lee Tapper estimate that the German ships caused over £8,000 of damage.

Brian Tapper said the situation has still not been resolved because of poor communication, adding that he has submitted a claim to the Royal Navy as well as complaining to the local fisheries office. He told Plymouth newspaper The Herald:

"We submitted a claim for lost damages back in November, but nothing has happened since."

"Another boat that operates in the same area had a similar issue after their crabbing pots were destroyed. They were owed more than £5,000 but were only given £130. We've not even heard back from the Navy."

A FOST spokesman said in November that it had “no evidence” that the ships had encroached on the fishing areas:

“We had meetings with the fishing community this summer [2015] and after those meetings we highlighted an area they would like our ships under training to keep clear of because of their fishing activity.

“We are currently investigating the allegations but at this time we have found no evidence to say that the ships encroached into the area we were advised to stay clear of. We are still awaiting completion of our investigation."

Frankfurt am Main leaving Portsmouth in 2009. Photo: Brian Burnell

“If it is confirmed as our fault we recompense the individuals. We have to make sure we are certain that an incident has happened.

“But we are very keen to make sure that if something has gone wrong we will set things right.”

Brian says, however, that no meetings between FOST and the local fishing community ever took place, describing the relationship with the Royal Navy as "non-existent". He added:

"There is no liaison, there is no communication, there is no relationship. We don't want this hassle and I'm sure the Navy don't either, but this is not the first time it's happened. We need better communication if we're to put an end to it."

According to The Herald, a Royal Navy spokesperson confirmed that Brian's claim had been received, although it is unable to comment on individual cases.