Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has called for a coastguard towing tug to based in the Western Isles.
The council said it is "disappointing" the UK government has not recognised the need for a second vessel to help protect the mariners and the environment of the west coast.
It will continue to make the case for a tug to cover the Minches, saying the decision
to extend the contract for the Orkney-
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leader, Angus Campbell, said: “I believe that the number of incidents over the past few years highlight the very serious risks around our coastal waters.
"The extension of the north based ETV contract clearly demonstrates that the government also realises the dangers and therefore, it is absolutely essential that we also have an additional ETV, based on the west coast, so that we have adequate safety measures in place to respond swiftly to incidents, to protect lives and minimise the risk of environmental damage."
Call for second coastguard tug
13 July 2016
The Orkney tug was not used for several incidents off the west coast, which "contradicts what had previously been agreed" over its role, highlighted the council.
It raises question of "whether it is to be used for incidents off the west coast."
Mr Campbell said: "Therefore, we would call on the UK Government to reconsider the provision of a second tug based in the Western waters of Scotland to reduce the risk for mariners and the environment in what is a major shipping area.
“We remain very concerned, as do colleagues in neighbouring councils, about the current situation which increases the risks for mariners and the environment.
“The MCA themselves concluded that the commercial towage market cannot reliably meet the need for a dedicated service to cover the seas around Scotland and this is particularly so off the west coast."