HC Deb 30 October 1957 vol 575 cc206-7
22. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will make a statement about the stranding of the Aberdeen trawler "Carency" on 29th June last, north of Wick Harbour; and if he will state the time, place, and other details of the formal investigation he has ordered.

Mr. Neave

Yes, Sir. The trawler "Carency" left Aberdeen shortly after noon on 28th June, 1957, for the West Coast fishing grounds. The ship stranded in fog off Greenigoe, about one mile north of Wick, at about ten minutes past midnight on 29th June. Later that day the Wick Lifeboat and the trawler "Gilmar" made unsuccessful attempts to tow "Carency" off the rocks and, as there was by that time a danger of the ship capsizing, the crew were taken off in the lifeboat. At about 5 p.m. the ship heeled over and subsequently became a total loss.

As already announced, the formal investigation into the casualty will be held by a sheriff's court in the Sheriff's Court Buildings, Aberdeen, beginning at 10.30 a.m. on Monday, 18th November.

Mr. Hughes

I thank the Minister for that Answer. Can he say whether reference to that inquiry will provide a means of assessing compensation for those who were injured or who suffered loss in this unfortunate occurrence?

Mr. Neave

It is, of course, the duty of the court to make a full report on the casualties, and no doubt that is a matter which it will take into account.

23. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will make a statement about the stranding of the Aberdeen trawler "Girdleness" on 4th July last, near Cantick Head, Orkney Islands; and if he will state the time, place, and other details of the formal investigation he has ordered.

Mr. Neave

Yes, Sir. The trawler "Girdleness" left Aberdeen at noon on 3rd July, 1957, for the fishing grounds north of latitude 61°N. The ship stranded in fog near Cantick Head, Hoy Island, Orkneys, at about 4 a.m. on 4th July; she refloated under her own power on 7th July with the crew still on board.

As already announced, the formal investigation into the casualty will be held by a sheriff's court in the Sheriff's Court Buildings, Aberdeen, beginning at 10.30 a.m. on Monday, 16th December.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister in a position to say whether this and the ship to which the preceding Question referred carried the latest type of life-saving apparatus, and, if so, what type?

Mr. Neave

I am not in a position to say that without notice, but it is the function of the court to make a full report, and I cannot anticipate that. I have not got that information at my disposal.

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