HC Deb 30 January 1979 vol 961 cc412-3W
Mr. Macfarlane

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list the accidents involving oil laden ships in and around United Kingdom waters for each year since 1967; and what was the location of each accident, the size of the vessel and the type of oil carried.

Mr. Clinton Davis

The following "serious casualties" involving laden ocean going oil tankers occurred within approximately 50 miles of the coast of the United Kingdom during the period April 1970 to December 1978:

Similar details for the period from January 1967 to March 1970 are not readily available.

  1. (1) The above information is drawn largely from an analysis prepared by the Department for the Trade and Industry Sub-Committee of the Expenditure Committee but not yet published.
  2. (2) "Ocean going oil tankers" are defined as oil carriers above 10,000 tons deadweight which are in commercial service.
  3. (3) "Serious casualties" include reports of:
    1. (a) a fire, explosion, collision, grounding, contact, heavy weather damage, ice damage, hull cracking or suspected hull defect resulting in:
      1. (i) structural damage rendering ship unseaworthy, such as penetration of hull underwater, immobilisation of main engines, extensive accommodation damage etc.
      2. (ii) loss of life, and/or
      3. (iii) pollution (regardless of quantity).
    2. (b) a breakdown necessitating towage or shore assistance, or
    3. (c) a total loss.
  4. (4) The "Isabell" (12,723 tons dwt) suffered a main engine breakdown in the Calais Roads in June 1977. It is not known whether she was carrying cargo.