§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Prime Minister what was the position of the Irish trawler Sharelga when she was sunk in 1982; what was the precise date and time of the sinking; what was the name of the submarine involved; when compensation was paid; and how much the compensation was.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Irish trawler Sharelga sank on 18 April 1982, some 30 miles east of Dublin. The Coastguard at Anglesey picked up a distress call just after 12.30. A Royal Navy submarine was involved, but, for reasons of operational security, no further details can be given.
The Ministry of Defence has accepted liability for the incident and agreed to pay fair and reasonable compensation. Agreement has yet to be reached on the final sum. The amount of compensation is a matter for negotiation between the vessel's owners and the Ministry of Defence.