HC Deb 28 April 1994 vol 242 cc267-8W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the involvement of coastguard and other search and rescue services in an incident on 19 April at Stramore head, Pembrokeshire.

Mr. Norris

The incident involved the fishing vessel FV Kingfisher, which suffered engine failure off Stumble head on 19 April 1994, following which the craft drifted on to rocks and sustained damage, as a result of which it became flooded.

The owner-skipper contacted HM Coastguard MRSC Milford Haven on VHF, following which the RNLI lifeboat at Fishguard was launched to go to his assistance. In addition, rescue co-ordination centre at Plymouth was asked for a helicopter, which was despatched from RAF Chivenor. In the event, the helicopter was not required and was released.

The owner-skipper was recovered from the rocks below Stumble head by Fishguard lifeboat, which then pumped out the fishing vessel and towed it to port.