Written question asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 February 2007.

Shipping: MSC "Napoli"

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the terms of reference of the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch into the ““Napoli”” cargo ship incident will include consideration of the merits of the decision to tow to Portland rather than to use closer ports of refuge such as Falmouth, Plymouth or Torbay.

Answer: The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is carrying out a full investigation into the causes of the serious structural failure and flooding of the container vessel MSC ““Napoli””. The scope of the investigation will not be extended to investigate the decision on a place of refuge and the ensuing salvage operation. I refer the noble Baroness to the oral Statement made to the House by my honourable friend the Minister of State for Transport on Thursday 1 February 2007 [Official Report, Commons, cols 376-78].

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 689 c237WA; 1694
Session: 2006-07
Related items: MSC Napoli
Thursday, 1 February 2007
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Commons
Subjects: Merchant shipping Wrecks Salvage Marine Accident Investigation Branch MSC Napoli Lyme Bay
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk