The case for emergency tug provision is strong and growing – Carmichael

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has described a meeting in Edinburgh yesterday – to discuss the provision of Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs) – as positive and productive.

An independent risk assessment was presented at the meeting, which, according to Mr Carmichael, was clear that the need for an ETV is greater than ever.

He said: “This was, by some measure, the most positive and productive meeting that we have had throughout this process. The meeting received an independent and professional risk assessment, which made it clear that a need for an Emergency Towing Vessel is greater than it has ever been.

“That has appeared to have changed significantly the attitude of the coastguard agency towards the continued provision of an ETV. The risk assessment also included proposals for the more efficient, and effective, use of the tug, including the undertaking of regular patrols across the whole of the area to be served.

“It is now for the agency to put the different proposals before the minister and I am hopeful that this will be done before the end of July. It is by no means yet certain that the ETV will be saved, but I feel that an already strong case has been strengthened and for once the wind is at our backs rather than in our face.”

ETVs were first put in place after Lord Donaldson’s inquiry into the Braer oil spill in 1993. The contract for the Orkney-based tug, Herakles, was due to end on March 31, but a six-month extension – to September 30 – was announced in February.