§ The Earl of Kimberleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How long the "Sea Empress" had been aground before measures were taken to refloat her; and
Whether the radar system at Milford Haven has been out of order for nearly a year.
§ Viscount GoschenI have asked the Chief Executive of the Coastguard Agency, Mr. Chris Harris, to write to my noble friend.
Letter to the Earl of Kimberley from the Chief Executive of the Coastguard Agency, Mr. Chris Harris, dated 12/3/96.
The Viscount Goschen has asked me to reply to your recent questions about the "Sea Empress" incident.
THL 66/95/96
Measures were taken to refloat the "Sea Empress" immediately she ran aground at 2007 hrs on 15th February. The vessel was refloated just over one hour later.
THL 67/95/96
The signal station radar is fully operational but the St. Ann's Head section of the radar has not been fully operational since October 1995.