The Scottish Government is supporting a judge’s recommendation to make lifejackets compulsory for all fishermen working on open decks at sea, after concluding the fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the death of Scott MacAlister.
The UK Government, which has responsibility for safety at sea, is now looking into changing the law.
Reacting to Sheriff Patrick Hughes’ ruling, Argyll and Bute’s SNP MSP Michael Russell said: ‘Given the sheriff has concluded that wearing a lifejacket might have been instrumental in securing a different outcome from the tragic result of the sinking of the Speedwell, I hope serious consideration will be given by [the UK] Government to implementing the recommendation.’