§ 59. Sir C. Taylorasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what information he has about the ketch "Totland" which is missing in the English Channel with seven persons abroad; and why the search for this vessel has been abandoned.
§ Mr. HayI understand that this vessel left Burnham-on-Crouch on 11th July for Margate. After she was reported missing to H.M. Coastguard on 15th July, extensive inquiries were made at ports and Coastguard stations, and that night a broadcast to shipping to keep a look out was made by North Foreland Radio. Next day, broadcasts to shipping were continued and searches of the Thames Estuary were carried out by a Royal Air Force helicopter and the Southend lifeboat. On the following day an area of the North Sea was searched by a Royal Air Force Shackleton.
I am very sorry that all these measures taken to find the vessel proved fruitless, and that she must be presumed lost. My right hon. Friend and I wish to extend our sympathy to the relatives of those on board.