Community / Fundraising appeal for fisherman’s family raises thousands
A FUNDRAISING appeal for the family of a fisherman who died after falling overboard yesterday (Thursday) has raised more than £10,000 after only being set up this morning.
The appeal was set up by Robie Johnson, who said her friend Joseph Lacaste, 45, passed away in the incident 30 miles south east of Sumburgh.
The coastguard helicopter airlifted the man to Lerwick after he fell overboard the local boat Copious, but police later confirmed his death.
Johnson, who lives in Gulberwick, said she was “so overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone who has donated so far. It’s incredible how kind our community is.”
The fundraiser is looking to raise money for the father of two’s family back home in the Philippines to assist them with mortgage payments, as well as living and travel costs.
The fundraising appeal can be found on Facebook.
“It’s going to be a big help for Joseph’s family,” Johnson told Shetland News.
Johnson added that the incident was “very sad and tragic news for everybody”.
She said she had been down to visit the crew of the Copious this morning in Lerwick with food to help the fishermen as she was concerned about their wellbeing.
The police said yesterday that it was working with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael said it was “also a tragic reminder that fishermen do a dangerous job to put food on our table”.
Police Scotland this afternoon formally confirmed the fisherman’s identity as Edison Joseph Carrera Lacaste from the Philippines.
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