§ Mr. Donnelly(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement regarding the loss of the Milford Haven trawler "Boston Heron" with the loss of seven lives the night before last.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Ernest Marples)The trawler "Boston Heron", with a crew of 12, ran ashore at Scalpay Island, which is near the entrance to East Loch Tarbert, Harris, at about 9.30 p.m. on 3rd December. There were five survivors. At the time, the visibility was poor, a heavy sea was running and the southerly wind was of gale force 8 to 9.
When radio distress signals were heard the Stornoway lifeboat was alerted and put to sea when the position of the trawler had been established.
1320 The Tarbert Life Saving Company were embarked in a local fishing vessel and succeeded in making contact with the stranded trawler. They were able to rescue two men by breeches buoy.
One survivor was picked up by a local fishing vessel and two more got ashore by their own efforts. The fishery cruiser "Brenda" and the Stcrnoway lifeboat searched the area and an air search was made the fallowing day.
I am informed that up to 11 a.m. this morning four bodies had been found and three of the crew were still missing.
I aim sure, Mr. Speaker, that the House will wish me to express its deepest sympathy with the families of those who lost their lives.
§ Mr. DonnellyMay I associate myself with the sympathy which the Minister has expressed, and ask him to thank all the rescue services in the area for the gallantry and determination with which they acted?
The Minister must hold at some stage an inquiry, public or otherwise, inquiry fore, may I ask him to ask the inquiry to give some consideration to the possibility of the safety facilities in these vessels? As the right hon. Gentleman has said, some of the crew came ashore under their own steam. It might be just passible that in the regulations about rafts, boats and lifebelts, there could be an additional regulation to provide for some form of simplified Mae West, such as we used to have in Bomber Command in the war, which might be a valuable asset in circumstances such as these.
§ Mr. MarplesI wild pass the first part of the hon. Gentleman's remarks on to those concerned.
I will, decide whether an inquiry should be held when I have received the detailed report on the stranding and the statements from the survivors. If an inquiry is held I will certainly take the second part of the hon. Gentleman's remarks into account.