Cocklers are travelling further and further from the shore

They say rescuing cocklers is getting harder because they travel further from the shore as shellfish stocks decline.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said many gangs are continuing to put profits before safety.

There have been 15 rescue incidents involving cocklers in the bay since the disaster in February that claimed 21 lives, the MCA said.

"We keep trying to talk to these gangs about safety, but you can often see a glint in their eye that shows that they're thinking they can make a few bucks and any concern for safety comes after that," a spokesman told BBC News Online.

'Big thunderstorm'

He said that while cockling has been going on in the bay, which covers 120 sq miles, for hundreds of years, those taking most of the risks have little or no experience of working in the area.

"The risks are greater the further and further out you go, and all it would take is one big thunderstorm, like the ones we've been having in the last few days, and the disaster could happen again," the spokesman said.