HC Deb 06 February 1984 vol 53 cc453-4W
Mr. Robert Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if a decision has been reached on whether to prosecute those responsible for the deck loading of the chemical, Dinoseb, lost in the North Sea from the Dana Optima on 13 January; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

My Department has considered the circumstances of the loss of the chemical Dinoseb from the deck of the Danish vessel Dana Optima to the North Sea on 13 January and has concluded that we have insufficient evidence to warrant a prosecution.

The stowage of Dinoseb is allowed on deck or under deck of vessels under the international maritime dangerous goods code and hence stowage on deck would not contravene the Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods) Regulations 1981. In the light of the exceptional circumstances prevailing at the time, in that the vessel was broken down and drifting in heavy seas, a prosecution under the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) (Deck Cargo) Regulations regarding security of stow, could not be sustained.

My officials are in contact with the Danish authorities regarding their presently unsuccessful attempt at recovery. To date, there is no indication of their intentions regarding prosecution.

Mr. Robert Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement on progress towards the location and recovery of the chemical Dinoseb lost in the North Sea from the Dana Optima on 13 January.

Mr. David Mitchell

Operations to locate and recover the drums of Dinoseb lost from the Dana Optima in the Danish sector of the North Sea on 13 January are being carried out by the Danish authorities, who are keeping my Department fully informed of progress. I understand that the search and recovery vessel Gunnar Seidenfadden arrived on the scene on Thursday 26 January and, after an initial delay due to bad weather, carried out a search of the area of the reported loss using sonar equipment. The drums were not located and the Gunnar Seidenfadden returned to port on 2 February. She was scheduled to depart for the search area again yesterday and intends to continue searching for a further seven days. The Danish authorities have indicated to my Department that they have no need of assistance from the United Kingdom.