HC Deb 23 October 1946 vol 427 cc1667-9
Major Bruce

(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make on the mining of two British Destroyers off the coast of Corfu on 22nd October.

Mr. Dugdale

Yes, Sir.

On the afternoon of 22nd October, the First Cruiser Squadron, with accompanying destroyers, was on passage through the straits between the Island of Corfu and the mainland, close to the Greek-Albanian boundary. The cruiser "Mauritius" was leading, with the destroyer "Saumarez" close astern; the cruiser "Leander" with the destroyer "Volage" in company were two miles astern of the "Mauritius."

At 14.53 hours an explosion occurred in the "Saumarez," which was believed to have hit a mine, and the ship caught fire forward. "Volage" was then ordered to tow "Saumarez" back to Corfu, but at 16.31 there was an explosion in "Volage," whose bows were blown off.

"Volage" then attempted to proceed stern first with "Saumarez" in tow, but with a westerly wind there was considerable danger that both ships might drift ashore. The Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, ordered immediate assistance to be sent from Malta and the Hospital Ship "Maine" was also ordered from Zante to Corfu. The Greek and Italian naval authorities were also asked for assistance.

In spite of the difficulties, both of the damaged destroyers succeeded in making their way back and have now arrived safely at Corfu. A board of inquiry is being assembled to inquire into the cause of the explosion.

I regret to have to state that the casualties suffered have been serious. The latest figures received at the Admiralty are:

Killed (including missing, believed killed)
Officers Ratings
1 37
Injured
Officers Ratings
2 43
The next-of-kin are being informed. I am sure the House will join with me in expressing the deepest sympathy with the relatives of the killed and injured men.

I should explain that at the time of the accidents, both ships were in the very centre of the swept channel, which is one mile wide. Their position at the time was about 1½ miles from the Albanian coast. The channel was searched by British minesweeping forces periodically from October, 1944, to February, 1945, and no mines were found. Since that time, the channel has been in use by naval vessels of various sizes; it has also been open to merchant ships for nearly two years, though I cannot give particulars of the amount of merchant traffic that is using the channel.

Major Bruce

Will my hon. Friend give the House an assurance that the dependants of the people who have been killed and the injured will receive an adequate amount of compensation? Will he say whether the Albanian Government had any notice of the fact that British destroyers were going through their territorial waters?

Mr. Dugdale

With regard to the first question, they will naturally receive the proper compensation. With regard to the second question, I would prefer to await the report of the board of inquiry.

Captain Marsden

May I ask if the compensation will be paid on the assumption that the officer and men were killed on active service?

Mr. Dugdale

Yes, Sir, I think that will be the case.

Mr. Churchill

Is this the channel where our cruisers were fired upon by the Albanian batteries some months ago?

Mr. Dugdale

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Hobson

Can the Financial Secretary say the last time the channel was swept?

Mr. Dugdale

I have said that in my reply.