FRASERBURGH LIFEBOAT (LOSS)

HC Deb 22 January 1970 vol 794 cc695-8

Mr. Gordon Campbell

(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the tragic loss of life in the crew of the Fraserburgh lifeboat.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. Goronwy Roberts)

At about midday yesterday, in a Force 8 gale, while answering a call for assistance from the Danish fishing boat "Opal", the Fraser-burgh lifeboat "The Duchess of Kent" capsized.

Of the crew of six, one was picked up by a Russian vessel. Strenuous efforts were made by a Russian factory ship to right the overturned lifeboat, and when this was achieved the bodies of four of the crew were found. One man is still missing.

The House will wish to join me in expressing our deepest sympathy with the relatives of the lifeboat crew, who gave their lives in answering this call for help. It is fitting also to express our appreciation to the masters and crews of the Russian vessels and to everyone else concerned in the rescue of the crew of the "Opal" and the lifeboat survivor.

Mr. Campbell

I wish, on behalf of my Friends and myself, to express our deep sympathy to the families who have suffered this sudden and severe loss and to express our admiration for the courage and devotion of the lifeboat crews in answering calls in every kind of weather.

As a similar disaster overtook the Longhope lifeboat in the Pentland Firth in March, is the Minister considering the possibility of conducting an investigation into the stability and safety of lifeboats?

Mr. Roberts

I am considering this in the light of the reports that I am now receiving. I am aware of the similarity of the two accidents and I agree that this is certainly a point that should be examined, but it is too early yet to reach a decision on this point. The R.N.L.I. has, of course, begun its inquiry, and Commander Acworth is, I believe, already in Fraserburgh.

Mr. Shinwell

Would my right hon. Friend take note of the statement that has already been made to the effect that this particular lifeboat, as in the case of the previous disaster at Pentland Firth, was 16 years old? Is he aware that the Lifeboat Institution at Fraserburgh was awaiting a replacement, which was expected to come along shortly? Is not this a matter for investigation?

Mr. Roberts

I have already raised this question. I am assured that although this lifeboat was constructed in 1954 and was to have been replaced this summer, it was, nevertheless, completely weather-worthy and capable of engaging in service. I will, of course, be continuing my inquiries into this aspect of the matter.

Mr. Grimond

We on this bench wish to join in the tributes which have been paid to these men and to offer our sympathy to their families.

As the Minister mentioned the fact that a lifeboat in my constituency suffered a very similar disaster not long ago, may I, while not expecting him to give me a definite reply today, press him to consider very carefully the need for an inquiry since it seems that, in spite of the skill and care that is taken in constructing these boats and even if they are self-righting, which they not always are, they are still vulnerable, particularly to large waves, a situation which should be inquired into?

Mr. Roberts

I have taken full note of the right hon. Gentleman's comments. There are varying views on the self-righting question as well as on other technical aspects of the problem. This is all the more reason why we should press on with a most complete inquiry into what is the best possible design, from the point of view of safety, for this type of craft.

Mr. Dewar

Will my right hon. Friend look sympathetically at the question of inquiring into this matter and consult with the R.N.L.I. about replacing older boats with self-righting vessels? If this replacement programme is being held up through lack of funds, will he look sympathetically at the possibility of giving help, without destroying the voluntary basis of the service?

Mr. Roberts

I do not think that I would disagree with anything implied in my hon. Friend's supplementary question. Indeed, I shall be closely consulting the R.N.L.I., which has and is rendering a tremendous service on our coasts.

As to the question of making sure that this kind of service is not inhibited by lack of funds, I am sure that the whole House would respond to my hon. Friend's suggestion by agreeing that that should not be so.

Mr. Molloy

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that since the disaster of the Mumbles lifeboat in South Wales, other similar disasters around our coasts have had something in common? Would he agree that there should be a proper raising of the status of lifeboat crews and that all the devices of modern science should now be arraigned to help, in this day and age, to provide virtually a storm-proof and sink-proof boat?

Mr. Roberts

The answer to my hon. Friend's question about using all the devices of modern science is, "Yes, certainly". I remind him, to answer his question about the status of lifeboat crews, that this is largely a voluntary service and, for that reason, attracts the very best type of man. It would be difficult to exaggerate the status that the lifeboatmen have already achieved; but, certainly, I have listened with sympathy to what my hon. Friend has said.