§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence following the attack on 25 February on a Cypriot ferry which RAF Wessex helicopters attended to rescue wounded, what information he has on the type, calibre and origin of the rounds which struck the ferry and the estimated size and nationality of the attacking vessel; which navies operating in the area have vessels of this size, carrying such armaments; why the RAF was scrambled to respond to this particular emergency; and what assessment he has made of the implications of this attack for British shipping in this area.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe car ferry Baroness M was attacked in darkness on 24 February during one of her regular journeys between Larnaca, Cyprus and Jounieh, Lebanon. My understanding is that the ship is believed to have had Syrian markings but I am not in a position to confirm this. I am not able to comment on the size or type of vessel involved or the type of ammunition used in the attack. The RAF Wessex helicopters based in Cyprus include a search and rescue role among their duties and were well-placed to respond to the request for326W humanitarian assistance from the Baroness M. As to the implications of this attack for British shipping, I understand that as far as the General Council of British Shipping is aware, no British flagged ships trade with Lebanon or operate in the area where the attack took place.