§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has concerning an incident 449W at 8.45 am on Monday 17 April involving the fishing vessel Laurel and a submarine in the Irish sea; what action he has taken; what investigations will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 20 April 1989]: My Department received a report on 17 April that the Isle of Man registered fishing vessel Laurel had been towed backwards. The vessel was subsequently forced to cut her nets for safety, resulting in the loss of her fishing gear. She then returned to Peel. The incident would appear to have involved a United States Navy submarine which was operating in the area at the time and which, on surfacing, was found to have sustained superficial damage. It is understood that the United States authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident.
The Laurel was outside territorial waters at the time and in such circumstances it is not normal practice for my Department to hold an investigation. The Isle of Man marine administration is inquiring into the incident.