Coastguard tug campaign

The islands’ coastguard campaign task group is urging islanders to campaign to save the coastguard tug.

The body successfully fought the proposed closure of Stornoway Coastguard station. Though there are still concerns over the future role of the islands’ coastguard centre under a forthcoming major revamp, the campaign group is now focusing on retaining a heavy duty emergency salvage vessel to patrol the Minch and aid any stricken vessel.

The tug was due to go next month but the UK government is poised to grant a brief reprieve while the Outer Hebrides Coastguard Task Group comes up with a feasible plan to pay for its long term running costs.

The task group will lobby official agencies and is seeking meetings with both the UK and Scottish Governments. The group also wants all Highlands and Islands MPs and MSPs to join in a co-ordinated cross-party approach.

Councillor Angus Campbell, chairman of the Outer Hebrides Coastguard Task Group said: "The approach taken by the task group over the last period in presenting a rational, well-researched and well-presented case for the retention of Stornoway Coastguard station has paid dividends.

“The recent announcement by the UK Government that Stornoway and Shetland stations will be retained is the correct one and demonstrates that rational arguments and a strong case will be listened to.”

Mr Campbell stressed: “We have an equally strong case for the retention of the emergency towing vessel (ETV) and over the next weeks we propose to take that strong case to Government.

“We agree with the Government that the ETV contract requires amendment, but their approach of simply terminating the contract is the wrong one.

“It is, in the words of the Chairwoman of the Transport Committee ‘inviting disaster’. It is a disaster our fragile economy and environment cannot afford and that is why we will be bringing our case to the heart of Government over the next weeks."

Mr Campbell added: "It is also essential that the local community are involved in the campaign to retain the tug. For a sea-faring community such as ours, the loss of our insurance policy against serious incident is unacceptable and I would urge the public to make their feelings known in regard to the withdrawal of the tug.

“I would urge everyone to contact their MP and MSP and the local and national press. It is essential that the Government understands the local strength of feeling in regard to this dangerous and ill-thought out proposal.“

The Anglian Sovereign is presently stationed in the Minch

Campaign to save Coastguard tug 11/8/11