Written question asked by Colin Pickthall (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many times the lifeboat and inshore rescue services have been called out to rescue cocklers in Morecambe Bay in the past 12 months.

Answer: Mr. Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times the lifeboat and inshore rescue services have been called out to rescue cocklers in Morecambe Bay in the past 12 months. [199153] Mr. Jamieson: During 2003, nine incidents involving cocklers or cockling craft were recorded at Liverpool Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC), five of which occurred in or around Morecambe Bay. Three of the incidents involved RNLI and Coastguard resources. Two were resolved prior to the launch of any waterborne assets. During 2004 to date, 22 incidents involving cocklers or cockling craft have been recorded at Liverpool MRSC, all of which have occurred in Morecambe Bay. Four of the incidents have involved cocklers being rescued by a Search and Rescue (SAR) asset. One incident involved `self help' where the cocklers made shore safely by means of their inflatable dinghy, when their tractor broke down out in the bay. On 13 occasions, the cocklers made shore safely unaided or prior to the launch or arrival of SAR resources. Three occasions were false alarms with good intent where members of the public reported somebody or something in difficulty, but all persons were accounted for and nothing else untoward was sighted. One occasion was to check a vehicle on the beach for occupancy. On arrival of SAR units the vehicle was found to be abandoned.

Secondary information