Two years ago, on the 6th February 2004, 23 Chinese cocklers drowned in Morecambe Bay, two have never been recovered.  They were all illegal immigrants, victims of Snakehead people-smugglers.  Their families back in China still suffer, the smugglers still harassing them for payment of up to £15,000.00 for the transportation of their dead loved ones to the UK.

Today Lin Liang Ren, 29, a cockle gangmaster was convicted of the manslaughter of the cocklers who drowned in Morecambe Bay.  He was also convicted of facilitation and perverting the course of justice.  His 21 year old girlfriend and 31 year old cousin were also convicted of the two latter charges.  Sentencing will take place next Tuesday.  To read the full story behind the tragedy, go to:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/4832454.stm

Tragedy on Cockle Klondike

The treacherous sands of Morecambe Bay

A scene of tragedy just yesterday.

The locals call the Bay ‘Cockle Klondike’

 It’s a dangerous place for all and sundry alike.

Renowned for many miles of shifting sand

And encircling tides that trap and strand.

Illegal Chinese immigrants in bare feet

Rake and dig the sands their needs to meet.

Prisoners of their Gang Master’s greed

Slave labour endure, themselves to feed.

Hours of backbreaking work each day

For a pittance that could not be called decent pay.

The Gang Masters pay £1.50 for each bag filled

No doubt they’d say the workers are unskilled.

They have no conscience about their workers at all

They sell each bag for £500.00 and have a ball.

Yesterday tragedy struck on a sandbank

Encircling, rising tides crept round to outflank.

The Cockle harvesters were too far from land

For hours trapped on this cold, wet sand

 They waited but the alarm was raised too late

Darkness hampered rescue and sealed their fate.

The rising tide carried some away

To drown in the cold waters of Morecambe Bay.

Fourteen were rescued and survived

Nineteen bodies recovered of those who died.

To Hell with the Gang Masters and their evil trade

At their doors must the blame for illegal deaths be laid.

Jackie S Brooks ©
6 February 2004