Once again I have to be the bearer of bad news, sadly last week saw the sudden death of Charlie Mitchell who as I had already mentioned in the previous diary report hadn’t been keeping well over the winter months. We all extend our deepest sympathy to Pat, and the rest of the family. Charlie will certainly be missed at Balmaha, with his subtle wit and humour, and his enthusiasm for his hobby. Charlie was an adventurer who travelled to fishing venues afar. Only last year he struck up a friendship with Rivers in Scandinavia, in fact I think one was the famous River Em, and was so impressed he had booked up for another trip this year. The big man’s funeral was well attended with a lot friends from the loch who came to show their respect to a man well liked and thought of. We’ll miss you Chaz.

This morning I opened the papers only to read about a disaster on the loch which occurred yesterday, Sunday 13th March, whereby a father and his two daughters were out in their ribbed boat when the father and his youngest daughter were tossed overboard into the Loch by what the papers are saying was a wave. The eldest daughter raised the alarm and a full search of the area was put into operation. To date no trace of the father and daughter have been found. Reports state that none of the occupants were wearing life jackets.

Another incident that saw the light of day in Dumbarton Sheriff Court involving a couple of speed boats was brought to my attention. Here is the BBC report of the court hearing.

’Speedboat Collision Driver Fined.’

A water Taxi Driver has been fined over a speedboat accident at a popular beauty spot in which a woman was severely injured. Allan Davie, 25, was fined £750 for his part in the crash on Loch Lomond. Last month he admitted conduct endangering ships, structures or individuals while in control of the boat Plastic Dreams in 2003. The vessel hit another speedboat, the Blue Monday, and struck passenger Kulsoom Mahmood on the head. Ms Mahmood, 27, was left permanently impaired as a result of the accident on 24th August 2003. At an earlier hearing the court was told the accident happened between Luss Pier and Inchlonaig, Argyle and Bute. Davie steered his speedboat too close to the Blue Monday, which was stationary, and mounted the vessel before rolling back into the water. Ms Mahmood, whose address was given as care of Strathclyde Police, was severely injured as a result. Davie was charged and convicted under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

Charges were earlier dropped against Allan McWilliam, from Motherwell, who was the 21year old skipper of the Blue Monday.

Sheriff Fraser expressed concern about what he had been told was a ‘fairly common practice’ of two speedboats going out in tandem on Loch Lomond. He said “If that is so then I think those who have the powers to control matters of navigation on Loch Lomond should take a hard long look at that practice.” But he told Davie: “It was accepted by the crown that you did not go looking for this accident, that said, it is not unlike dangerous driving, however, I have come to the conclusion that giving you a custodial sentence would serve no purpose.” Davie, of Dumbarton, wept as he embraced relatives outside Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

I think Sheriff Fraser, knocked the nail right on the head when he said “Those who have the powers to control matters.” He’s absolutely right those with the powers should be doing more to enforce a safer practice and if that’s the case then surely speed restrictions are the way to go. Even more so with the onslaught of speedsters heading to the Loch from Lake Windermere.

Well I’m heading to Balmaha with sandpaper, tin of varnish, paint brush and white spirit, to do a bit of TLC to my poor boat which was neglected of a water proofing last year. I hope this cold spell will ease a bit or it’s a different sort of spirit I’ll be taking along with me.

Finally, I’ve left you another old picture of the old days when this scene was a regular event on the Loch. Oh, and guess where it is, Mallarochy Bay. Yes, that’s where there’s an abundance of jet bikes and speedboats all doing their bit to ruin a great salmon location nowadays.