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[VT]

Fisherman's harbour fall drama

Bryan Copland • Published 16 Aug 2012 09:30

AN EXPERIENCED fisherman had a lucky escape when he lost control of a forklift truck. . . and it plunged 20ft into the water at Port Seton Harbour.


Charlie Harkess, 71, managed to jump off the forklift he was driving on Tuesday morning before it rolled off the harbour pier, striking his fishing boat, 'Girl Jean'.


He was using the vehicle to remove nets from his boat when he apparently lost control and jumped to safety.


The prawn fisherman was said to be "very, very badly shaken" afterwards but was not injured - while his boat suffered minor damage.


The incident happened at about 10am on the eastern side of the stone pier and the forklift remained in the water for the rest of the day until it was lifted out by a crane at about 7pm.


Mr Harkess, of South Seton Park, Port Seton, did not want to speak about the incident when approached by the Courier.


But witness Eddie Todd, secretary of Cockenzie & Port Seton Fisherman's Association Ltd, said: "He [Charlie] was taking his nets off [the boat] ready to do some painting.

"He was using the forklift and somehow he lost control and it then fell on top of his boat and bounced into the water.

"Luckily, it landed on the A-frame of the stern [of the boat].

"He jumped clear. He was very, very badly shaken.

"Everybody is fine and it doesn't matter - it's only a piece of metal. It shook him up, as it would with the age he is."


The forklift - which is now a write-off - was owned by the association, with all boat users paying a subscription for its use.

Courtesy of East Lothian Courier @ http://www.eastlothi...ur-fall-drama-/