Coastguard tug cuts lambasted 7/1/13
Scotland’s seas are under protected twenty years after Scotland’s worst oil spill
warns the Scottish Government.
In January 1993, the MV Braer tanker ran aground off Shetland resulting in a spillage
of 85,000 tonnes of crude oil.
Coastguard tugs being readily available to pull a stricken vessel away from rocks
were introduced as a result of the accident.
In a cost-cutting measure, they were taken off station earlier this year. After an
government u-turn, the two tugs at Shetland and Stornoway have been replaced by a
single vessel based in Orkney. It will be removed in 2015.
Crude oil carriers often steam off the Western Isles. Some take a route west of the
Hebrides while others opt for the sheltered waters of the Minch.
Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "A major concern to the Scottish
Government has been the reduction in emergency tug cover by the UK Government and
the cuts to Scotland's coastguards.
“While I welcomed the UK Government's u-turn on Emergency Towing Vehicles last year,
the botched handling of this important issue still leaves our waters under-protected.
“As we mark the 20th anniversary of the Braer disaster we must continue to learn
lessons and ensure that our precious marine environment, and those using it, are
properly protected."
Lang Banks of World Wildlife Fund Scotland said: “The UK Government's short-sighted
decision to press ahead with a reduction in emergency tug cover means we have been
left with a sticking plaster solution –and even that is temporary.
“We urgently need to see a more permanent solution regarding Emergency Towing Vessel
cover around Scotland’s coastline.”