"Pisces III" Submarine (Sinking)

HC Deb 06 February 1974 vol 868 cc354-5W

Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will publish the report of the inquiry into the sinking of the "Pisces III" submarine; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Onslow

I have now seen the report by Vickers Oceanics Ltd. on the sinking and rescue of its submersible vessel "Pisces III" last August. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library, and Vickers is prepared to supply further copies on request. In addition to senior Vickers officials, the inquiry team included representatives from International Hydrodynamics Ltd., manufacturers of "Pisces III", the American Bureau of Shipping, which has been closely concerned with the operation of this type of vessel since its introduction, a submarine expert of the Royal Navy and two marine surveyors from my Department. I am satisfied that the inquiry was thorough and comprehensive.

It is clear from the report that "Pisces III" sank following flooding of the machinery chamber. A line from the "Vickers Voyager" fouled the hatch locking nut, causing it to rotate and unlock, and thereby allowing the hatch to be dislodged. This was possible because of a modification to the locking arrangements carried out in July on board the "Vickers Voyager" without the required management approval. Vickers has already taken steps to prevent a recurrence, and the experience has enabled the firm to improve rescue techniques and extend the vessel's life support capability.

I am satisfied that both this and an earlier accident to "Pisces III", when it was not owned or being operated by Vickers, were attributable to isolated failures to adhere strictly to established procedures rather than any inherent fault in the vessel itself. The record of this type of submersible has been remarkably good, given the difficulties and hazards of underwater operations at such depths. However, as the House was told on 29th November last, we intend to seek powers to exercise control over submersible craft where appropriate, and I am discussing the next steps with the parties concerned.