ETV reprieve

The four ETVs stationed around the UK were introduced after the Braer and Sea Empress tanker disasters, but three were withdrawn following the 2010 public spending review. The contract for the final vessel, covering northern Scotland, was due to expire at the end of March this year but was extended by the government in the face of warnings about the threat to safety.

Earlier this year, Robert Goodwill asked the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to look at alternative options for towing provision beyond September. It has been decided there is a strong case for the UK Government to step in to allow this vital service to continue.

UK Government Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “The emergency towing vessel in Scotland saves lives and protects the Scottish coast from damaging pollution. I am delighted to confirm the UK Government has secured its future by providing funding for the next five years.

“This service is absolutely critical to ensuring emergency services can respond swiftly to incidents off the coast of Scotland.

“We have taken this decision following extensive consultation by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. This is an important measure to ensure maritime safety and pollution prevention measures in the waters around Scotland.”

The UK’s Nautilus Union described the decision to provide a further five years’ funding for the vessel as ‘a long-overdue victory for common sense’ and urged the government to reconsider the provision of other ETVs around the UK coast.

By Jake Frith