"ANTARES": LOSS (Hansard, 9 July 1992)

The Minister of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch report on the loss of the fishing vessel Antares with the loss of four lives has been published today. The report deals with the collision between the trawler and the Trafalgar class submarine HMS "Trenchant" in Bute Sound, north-east of the Isle of Arran, in the early hours of 22nd November 1990. The report finds that "Antares" foundered as a direct result of its net being snagged by "Trenchant" and that was caused by a partial breakdown in both the structure and standards of watchkeeping on board "Trenchant" following the completion of a command course exercise. The Ministry of Defence has admitted full liability for the accident.

The report makes eight recommendations which substantially reflect the findings of the Royal Navy's own Board of Inquiry, and the determination made by the Sheriff Principal following the Fatal Accident Inquiry. The majority of the report recommendations have already, as a result of similar recommendations from the earlier inquiries, been accepted and implemented either in full or in part. Major changes have been made in submarine operating policy and procedures in order to improve the safety of fishing vessels, in particular the mandatory minimum separation between dived submarines and fishing vessels has been extended to 4,000 yards. Further changes are under consideration by MoD, in consultation with the Department of Transport and with the sub-group of its Fishing Industry Safety Group which was established specifically to consider submarine and fishing vessel safety issues. As part of this continuing work, the Government will consider any remaining actions which may need to be taken in the light of the MAIB report.