HL Deb 14 March 1990 vol 516 cc1543-4

2.43 p.m.

Lord Harvington asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to receive the report of the collision between a Red Funnel Line hydrofoil and a sailing yacht which happened off Cowes during the 1989 Round the Island Race.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, the report into the collision between the hydrofoil "Shearwater 6" and the yacht "Amanda Jane" on 17th June 1989 was completed by the Department of Transport in July 1989. A summary report of the accident will be published but this is being delayed because a prosecution of the commander of the hydrofoil is still outstanding.

Lord Harvington

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. I am sure that the House will be pleased to know that there is to be a prosecution in this case. Many scores of people saw this terrible accident, which might easily have involved the loss of life. Can my noble friend assure the House that the trial is likely to take place before the next Round the Island Race, which will be on approximately the same date this year?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, I cannot assure my noble friend that a trial will take place before the date he mentions. There is a certain jam in the Crown Court at the moment. But I can assure him that the Marine Directorate surveyor recommended that a prosecution should be brought against the commander of the hydrofoil for offences under the merchant shipping legislation.

I can also tell my noble friend, which I think is helpful, that the Government consider that prosecution for breach of the collision regulations is the best way to remind those using crowded waters of the constant danger and the need for great vigilance and also, in partnership with the harbour authority, to encourage prior discussion between ferry operators and yachting event organisers so that essential ferry services to the Isle of Wight can be maintained while at the same time allowing these yachting events to be held in reasonable safety.

Lord Harvington

My Lords, I agree entirely with what my noble friend has said but there are occasions, particularly on this day and on other days during Cowes Week, when one cannot see the water for yachts. Does it not therefore behove those who are running commercial craft to take extra special care at such times?

Viscount Davidson

Yes, my Lords, I agree with my noble friend. But I repeat that a prosecution is the best way to stop accidents happening in the future.