§ Mr. Corfield (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the search for the Aer Lingus Viscount EL 1712 910 which was due at Heathrow at 12.48 yesterday and which has been reported missing.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Mr. Merlyn Rees)I am sure I am expressing the feelings of the whole House when I extend my deepest sympathy to the relatives of all the victims of this tragic accident.
The Viscount's last radio message indicating that it was in difficulties was received at midday yesterday by the Air Traffic Control Centre Uxbridge, who immediately warned the responsible Rescue Co-ordination Centre, No. 19 Group, Coastal Command, at Plymouth. Confirmation that radio contact with the aircraft had been lost was received by the Rescue Co-ordination Centre at 12.12.
Two helicopters took off from the Royal Naval Air Station Brawdy at 12.56 p.m. to search the area where it was presumed the Viscount had been lost. A Shackleton from Ballykelly was airborne about the same time and searched the area continuously from about 2 p.m. A Shackleton from Kinloss was airborne at 1.47 p.m. and was on task from about 3.45 p.m. to about 11.15 p.m. In addition a Canberra flew a two hour search sortie from St. Mawgan at 1.20 p.m. Two Gannets took off from Brawdy about 5 p.m. These Gannets, together with the R.N. helicopters from Brawdy and R.A.F. helicopters, which had been detached from Chivenor, flew a total of some eight hours on the search.
Additional Shackletons from Ballykelly and Kinloss continued the search throughout the night and during today. Since first light this morning Gannets from Brawdy have also resumed their search.
Apart from the aircraft search four of Her Majesty's ships have been engaged in the search. These were the two frigates "Penelope" and "Hardy", which were already in the area, the air sea rescue vessel "Invermoriston", and the coastal vessel "Uplifter". There has been full co-operation throughout with the Irish authorities.
The latest news I have is that some wreckage was sighted at 12.20 p.m. today by a Shackleton of No. 206 Squadron Kinloss off the coast of Ireland in an 911 area centred upon 52.15 N. and 06.06 W. and that H.M.S. "Hardy" has recovered three bodies. Irish helicopters, 3 Irish lifeboats, 2 trawlers and the "Penelope", "Hardy" and "Invermoriston" are converging on the scene. An R.A.F. Shackleton is circling the area.
I would like to add that the times I have given here have been obtained hurriedly. As I hope the House will appreciate, all those concerned have been engaged in the rescue operations and there has not yet been time for detailed cross-checking.
§ Mr. CorfieldMay I thank the hon. Gentleman for that detailed reply and, on behalf of my hon. and right hon. Friends, join with him in the sympathy which he has expressed? May I also express the admiration of this side of the House at the promptitude with which the Services rallied at this call for help?