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Trawlerman Gordon Cameron, who dived overboard from a trawler in the River Wyre on Friday night and swam ashore, said that he would never go to sea again.
At his home in Wingrove road, Fleetwood, with his wife mary and three week old son Brian, 21 year old deckhand Gordon commented: "I've been thinking for a bit about packing up the sea - it's not much of a life. Now I'm decided and I'm not going back.
Fifeshire born Gordon, a fisherman since he was 17, had three chances not to sail in the 426 ton trawler SSAFA bound for a three week trip to Iceland, but each time he reported for duty.
First, the ship could not sail on Thursday because a crewman failed to turn up. Then, when she did leave the dock, it was only to go aground on Tiger's Tail Sandbank just outside the dock gates because of the very low tide.
While the SSAFA lay high and dry, Gordon walked ashore with shipmates to get something to eat and drink.
"The ship had a list and there was no lighting or heating on. The cook couldn't use the stove because of the list," said Gordon. "I had every intention of going in her which is why I went back eack time."
But as the tide rose and a tug stood by to help free the trawler, Gordon changed his mind. He quickly stuffed a few dry clothes in a plastic bag and wearing shirt, trousers and socks, dived into the ice-cold, treacherous river and swam 40 yards to Jubilee Quay. "I didn't think it might be dangerous. I was fed up and it just got on top of me," he said.After Gordon climbed a ladder to the quay, he was so cold that children playing there had to help him change. Said Mrs. Cameron, "I think it was thinking about the baby as much as anything that made him do it. Fishermen don't see enough of their children and don't get to know them as they should."
Skippered by Mr. Alex Middleton of Addison road, the SSAFA refloated with the aid of the tug and sailed for Iceland watched by Gordon from the quayside.
Gordon told the Evening Gazette that he was offered the chance of returning to the SSAFA last night, but declined. Now he plans to look for another job.
Mr. Arthur Lewis, of the Boston Deep Sea Fisheries Ltd, owners of the sip commented, "They do these foolish things without realising the danger they are putting themselves in."
He added that Gordon would be facing the disiplinary committee set up by the Fleetwood Fishing Vessel Owners Association which has the power to suspend trawlermen for varying periods.
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