DOZENS of wellwishers are backing the campaign to raise money for the families of the crew of the Purbeck Isle.

The Weymouth and Portland Licensed Fishermen’s and Boatmen’s Association is spearheading a memorial fund for the families of the crew.

Money and offers of donations have been rolling in and more businesses and shops have joined the campaign as the community, shocked by the tragedy, look for a way to try and help the families.

The fishing boat went missing last Thursday, sparking a huge search involving the coastguard co-ordination centre on Weymouth Harbour-side, the lifeboat and the Portland helicopter.

The wreck of the boat was discovered as was the body of skipper David McFarlane, 35, on Friday.

The search for crewmen Robert Prowse, 20, and Jack Craig, 22, was called off with coastguards stating there was no hope of finding them alive.

Vaughan’s Bistro on the harbourside got involved as the crew used to supply fresh crab and lobster to them and they wanted to show their support.

Owner Mark Vaughan said: “Because of where we are on the harbour we saw these guys every day. They even supplied us fish. We struck up a relationship with them. It’s very sad.”

He added: “It’s fantastic the way the whole harbour area has come together on it.”

Mr Vaughan added: “They are a huge part of the community and it’s a sad loss.”

Secretary of the Weymouth and Portland Licensed Fishermen’s and Boatmen’s Association, Andy Alcock, said that the fund had received a fantastic response.

He said the fund would be divided between the children of the fishermen and put into trust funds for them to access when they turn 21.

He said: “This fund is a legacy from their fathers to them.

“It’s being collected by fishermen for fishermen, for their children. It becomes a legacy.”

People can sign a book of condolence on the Dorset Echo website where people can leave their tributes.

There is also a book of condolence at the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council offices.

• AN INQUEST into the death of Purbeck Isle skipper David McFarlane was opened and adjourned yesterday.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said the inquest at Dorchester Coroner’s Court was opened and adjourned at 1.45pm yesterday.

The spokesman said: “Evidence was heard that David Jonathan McFarlane, a 35-year-old man from Weymouth, was found in the sea and pronounced dead at the scene.”

How you can help out

Cash donations or cheques payable to the Weymouth and Portland Licensed Fishermen’s and Boatmen’s Association can be dropped in to the Dorset Echo offices on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth, Antelope Walk in Dorchester or East Street in Bridport.

Or they can be posted to Purbeck Isle Appeal, Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XD.

Anyone wishing to pay by credit card can do so at adbooker.dorsetecho.co.uk/store/donate.

And donations can also be made at more than 38 locations, including The King’s Arms, The Sailor’s Return, Rendezvous, The Royal Oak, The Ship Inn, Weyfish and Weymouth Angling Centre in St Edmund Street, Wetherspoon’s William Henry and The Swan, Alf’s Fish and Chips and Vaughan’s Bistro.

Donations can also be made over the counter at the Halifax branch in Weymouth.

If anyone would like a collection tin for their business or to help in any way please call the Echo newsdesk on 830999.