Highlands and Islands MPs have called for coastguard tugs to be reinstated for the Western Isles.
They want a meeting with UK government transport minister, Patrick McLoughlin, to try and get an emergency towing vessel to cover the Minch as a matter of priority.
The coastguard salvage tug service was withdrawn by the Uk government in 2010.
In a partial u-
However, it has been rarely seen south of its berth in Kirwall and never at all in recent emergencies.
Western Isles MP, Angus MacNeil, who has campaigned for the emergency towing vessel to be reinstated at Stornoway since its removal, said: "For too long the UK Government has not taken its maritime responsibilities in Scotland with the seriousness it deserves.
"Tugs are a maritime insurance policy to protect life and the environment, this Tory government is unwilling to pay those premiums for Scotland."
Drew Hendry, SNP transport spokesperson, said: “For too long the safety of people in the Highlands and Islands has been put at risk.
"Coastal protection in an area of significant maritime importance is critical."
A number of examples have highlighted the difficulties posed by the absence of a tug including help taking five days to reach the 53,000 tonne MV Eleanor D which broke down with engine troubles off the Hebrides.
Last year the MV Wilson Gdynia risked crashing onto rocks after losing rudder control off Barra.
Call to reinstate Western Isles emergency tug
17 July 2015