MFV Pescado (Hansard, 16 February 1993)

§ Ms. Walley
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give the precise position of MFV Pescado at the time of its sinking; and whether this position is outside British territorial waters.

§ Mr. Norris
The wreck lies at Lat 50° 00/'N, Long 4° 43/'W which is outside United Kingdom territorial waters.

§ Ms. Walley
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to investigate possible submarine damage to MFV Pescado.

§ Mr. Norris
The marine accident investigation branch inspectors considered every possibility during their investigation.

§ Ms. Walley
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the deadline for the submission of compensation claims arising out of the sinking of MFV Pescado; and who is entitled to claim compensation.

§ Mr. Norris
Under the provisions of the Limitation Act 1980 claims in respect of death or personal injury have to be made within three years of the incident. Other claims in tort have to be made within six years. The dependants of any person who died may be in a position to make a claim; if they are minded to do so they should seek legal advice. If claims are made against the owner he cannot limit his liability in respect of crew members employed on the vessel.
146W

§ Ms. Walley
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to arrange for the MFV Pescado to be raised before the expiry of the deadline under which compensation claims must be made.

§ Mr. Norris
No.