BUSINESSES across Dorset have raised a ‘considerable’ amount of money in the wake of a fishing tragedy.

Businesses, shops and restaurants across Dorset and beyond have rallied round to raise money for the families and children of the crew of the Purbeck Isle fishing boat.

The boat left Weymouth harbour on May 17 and did not return.

During a three-day search involving the Portland coastguard helicopter, lifeboats and fishing boats, the wreck of the Purbeck Isle was discovered nine miles off Portland.

Skipper David McFarlane, 35, was also discovered but crewmen Robert Prowse, 20, and Jack Craig, 22, are still missing.

In the wake of the tragedy the Purbeck Isle Memorial Fund was set up, spearheaded by the Weymouth and Portland Licensed Fishermen's and Boatmen’s Association.

Support for the cause has been huge, with lots of businesses getting involved.

Paul Hay, owner of Fish and Fritz fish and chip shop on Market Street, said that he and his staff wanted to help out as the fishermen were part of the ‘Weymouth family’.

He said: “The three men of the Purbeck Isle were part of our community and we wanted to do anything we could to help.

“They were extremely brave men to go out to sea and do their job in any weather – we have all got to stick together as a community.

“The men were part of the Weymouth family and we wanted to do our part. It is awful to lose someone you care about especially in those circumstances.

“When we heard about the fund in the town we just wanted to be able to donate as much as we can.”

Andy Alcock, Secretary of Weymouth and Portland Licensed Fishermen's and Boatmen’s Association, said: “A considerable amount of money has been collected.”

He added that the fund was doing very well and that more businesses were calling up to get collection tins by the day.

Mr Alcock said that the campaign had gathered support from a huge area.

He said: “When we started we thought it would be a local thing, it’s turned into a national and international thing and it’s brilliant.”

Give generously to assist families

Donations can be made in person to any one of the 160 collection points including The Sailors Return, The King’s Arms and Weyfish on Weymouth harbourside, ASDA, Weymouth, B&Q or Matalan.

People should make cheque donations payable to the Purbeck Isle Memorial Fund.

Cash donations or cheques 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 Memorial Fund Purbeck Isle Memorial Fund Appeal, Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XD.

Anyone wishing to pay by credit card can do so at dorsetecho.co.uk/ donate. If anyone would like a collection tin for their business call the Echo newsdesk on 01305 830999.

To discuss ideas with the charity, email them at purbeckisle memorialfund@gmail.com or go to the Sailors Return, St Nicholas Street, Weymouth.