This is why I'm forever being described as having OCD. First, this "qualified and experienced boat operator" and lobsterman allowed his leg to get tangled in the ropes -- okay, so we need to define "experienced".

One thing to take into account is that this happened in Ireland and they may have the same issue with pointy, sharp tools that the Brits have so the tendency to always carry a sharp is simply not there.. No excuse or rationale for lack of a PLB.