§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he proposes to publish his Department's report on the grounding and subsequent sinking of the Kowloon Bridge.
§ Mr. David MitchellMy noble Friend the Minister with responsibility for aviation and shipping has received the report and arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library. The report, made on behalf of the Hong Kong Administration, does not hold anyone to blame, but concludes that a succession of events associated with atrocious weather led to the grounding and loss of the Kowloon Bridge. Of these events, the most serious was the failure of the steering gear and this was probably linked to the grounding of the vessel while she was in Bantry Bay. A successful evacuation of all 28 persons on board was effected by RAF aircraft, which were using Cork airport at the time in connection with another rescue. Apart from an RAF winchman who sustained arm injuries, everyone else was rescued unhurt. The rescue was admirably carried out with RAF personnel displaying the courage and professionalism which we have come to expect in such circumstances. The master and his crew also carried out their part in the abandonment of the vessel with calmness and courage.