§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if any of his Departmental surveyors inspected damage to the hull of the catamaran operating between Ryde and Portsmouth; what information he has as to the existence of any risk to passengers carried on the trip back to Portsmouth after the vessel was damaged; and whether he proposes to conduct any inquiry into the incident or to make any recommendations.
§ Mr. David MitchellIt is assumed that the question refers to the incident on 31 January 1988 involving the catamaran ferry Our Lady Pamela. During the passage towards Ryde, heavy seas damaged the decking to the passenger accommodation, between the two hulls. There was some ingress of water—not, however, serious. The master, after personally inspecting the damage, decided that it was safe to complete the passage and then to return to Portsmouth at reduced speed, with the few passengers who were waiting to make the crossing.
155WOur Lady Pamela was taken out of service on her return to Portsmouth. Surveyors in the marine office, Southampton, investigated the incident and the craft did not resume operations until repairs were completed to their satisfaction. I do not propose any further inquiry into the incident.