HC Deb 20 May 1953 vol 515 cc151-2W
Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement about the loss of the m.v. "Guava" which was posted at Lloyd's as a missing vessel on 11th March, 1953.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The "Guava," a motor vessel of 285 gross tons built in 1945, left Lowestoft on the morning of 30th January for the North Sea fishing grounds with a crew of 11 on board. She last reported her position about 10 p.m. on the following day. Nothing more was heard from her and it must be assumed that she and her crew became victims of the great storm which continued to rage throughout that night and the following day. Searches were made by naval vessels and aircraft, but no trace of the "Guava" was found.

I have no reason to think that this vessel was not in a seaworthy condition and properly equipped when she left Lowestoft on her last voyage. Her hull was last examined by an independent surveyor after she had grounded at New-come Sands on 9th January of this year and no damage was then found.