§ 19. Mr. ADAMSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, following the wreck of the trawler "Shore Breeze," near Milford Haven, recently, the body of one of the crew was found later on the cliffs, where he had died from exposure; and whether he will consider increasing the number of coastguards or shoreguards on this and similar coasts to assist in preventing such fatalities?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANOn 12th January the body of a man, subsequently identified as one of the crew of the "Shore Breeze," was seen on the cliffs near St. Ann's Head. The body was in a position visible from the sea but not visible Irons the cliffs. The "Shore Breeze" was seen in a dangerous position by the coastguardsman on watch at St. Ann's Head at 7.27 p.m. on the 5th January, and a warning rocket was at once fired. The life saving company were called out and the lifeboat informed. An exhaustive search of the coast commenced within 15 minutes by the personnel from St. Ann's Head, aided by a searchlight, the life saving company at Wooltack Point, five miles distant, being also called out to assist. The weather conditions were wholly exceptional, with a wind velocity approaching 100 miles an hour, so that at times the searchers could only make progress on hands and knees. The weather and sea conditions and the nature of the coast prevented the lifeboat from rendering any assistance. Careful inquiry has shown that the loss of life which accompanied this casualty could not have been prevented by additional coastguard stations or watchers.