fisherman

In the early hours of 9 May, the group was found by local fishermen who told them they were in Myanmar.

A half-drunk cup of coffee was found sitting on the helm, and Kawahara’s oatmeal was left unfinished, as if the experienced fisherman suddenly disappeared in the middle of breakfast, said Heather Burns, a longtime friend.

A year later, the last known paddle fish - a type of ray-finned fish which can grow to more than 3 metres - was accidentally caught by fishermen and, despite being radio tagged and released, disappeared.

The coalition of conservation groups, rescue teams and fishermen has sought to find best practices to avoid entanglements, and the most effective responses to any incidents.

Without an outcry from fishermen, scientists and anyone who needs an accurate weather forecast, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration seems doomed.