HC Deb 17 January 1989 vol 145 c131W
Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has received from the United States Navy about the collision between the USS Will Rogers and the fishing vessel New Dawn on 3 January; what action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Ministry of Defence was informed on 3 January 1989 that the submarine USS Will Rogers had been involved in a minor collision while on the surface with the 50-ton fishing trawler New Dawn in the Firth of Clyde. The collision occurred at approximately 0730 during USS Will Rogers' passage to Holy Loch. The trawler reported only superficial damage and continued under way. On return to port, an initial hull inspection of USS Will Rogers revealed minor scraping and chipping of paint. The US navy is conducting an investigation regarding the incident.