Last updated at 21:20, Thursday, 15 July 2010

GIVEN all that has happened to West Cumbria recently many people might have forgotten one of the most tragic incidents ever to hit our area.

One year ago the Maryport scallop dredger Aquila overturned when its nets got snagged off the west coast of Scotland.

Three fishermen died and one survived in a tragedy that shattered the tight knit Maryport maritime community.

Their families still grieve, and await the answers that will allow them some closure on this terrible episode.

This weekend family members will make a poignant trip to where the Aquila went down.

They will lay wreaths and find solace with local fishermen who know the perils of working at sea.

A marine accident report has already shed some light on the accident, but for the families some questions remain. There was concern raised about the length of time it took rescuers to respond.

And they still await a full inquest that ought to clarify how and why these men died.

“It’s been a year, and we should be getting over it, but we haven’t been allowed,” said the daughter of one of the men this week.

An inquest is certainly necessary to end their suffering.

In the meantime, we welcome the permission that’s been given for a memorial to the three fishermen to be placed near Maryport’s coast guard station.

First published at 19:23, Thursday, 15 July 2010
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk