HC Deb 21 October 1991 vol 196 cc463-4W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish the findings of the inquiry into the loss of the MV Ocean Hound in August; and what progress is being made in his inquiries.

Mr. Spearing

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if, pursuant to his answer concerning the wreck of the Ocean Hound,Official Report, 14 October, column 111, he will state the results of the most recent surveys including any evidence suggesting that its loss was due to a particular cause.

Mr. McLoughlin

On 15 October a further underwater survey was carried out using remotely controlled video cameras. Fortunately, conditions were much more favourable than at the time of previous inspections, allowing a much fuller examination, and for the first time considerable damage was found.

The inspection is recorded on video films which are being studied by marine accident investigation branch inspectors. The nature of the damage is such that a very thorough analysis will be required before it is possible to conclude exactly how it was caused; this analysis is being undertaken as speedily as possible, but experience suggests that it may well take some considerable time.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to seek to raise the MV Ocean Hound from the seabed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McLoughlin

No. The Department will not contemplate salvaging a wreck except where there are firm grounds for surmising that raising a wreck would establish the nature and cause of the accident and there are no other means of achieving this.