Rescue cover void as Stornoway coastguard tug is removed 19/3/12
The Stornoway coastguard tug has been withdrawn from duty leaving the Minches without any emergency rescue vessel cover.
Despite talks over trying to find alternative funding for a tug, the MV Anglian Monarch finally left her station at the weekend.
The vessel has received two reprieves since the UK government announced in October it was axing state funding.
Including the removal of other rescue vessels in the south of England, it would save £32.5 million over four years.
A meeting between the Scottish Office and the Comhairle today did not receive any commitment to reinstate the tug.
The UK government says it is up to the maritime industry to provide a commercial salvage vessel in coastal waters.
MP Angus MacNeil expressed disbelief at the tug’s removal.
He said: ‘I was shocked to learn that the tug left the Hebrides over the weekend.
‘This comes as a surprise to many in our community including the Comhairle and the Stornoway Port Authority who were not contacted by the Scotland Office but, rather contacted by my office or, found out through other methods such as media outlets.
‘As recently as 5 March we were told by Scotland Office Minister David Mundell MP
that negotiations were continuing towards a long-
‘I am now receiving reports that the meeting today between the Comhairle and the Scotland Office offered no new solutions to the issue.
‘The UK Government has now left the Hebrides without any emergency tug cover for the foreseeable future as no new arrangements have been announced.
‘How can this be an example of good governance?
‘Therefore, I am calling on the Scotland Office to explain their comprehensive, long-