The cement carrier Cemfjord capsized and sank in the Pentland Firth with eight men on board on January 2.
Emergency Towing Vehicle provision should be reviewed immediately and extended beyond March 2016, Richard Lochhead, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment, said during the national marine plan debate.
This call comes as a result of the recent sinking of the Cemfjord and the grounding of a large cargo ship Lysblink Seaways at Ardnamurchan Point.
The UK Government must reassure maritime industries that emergency tug provision is available across Scotland’s waters including the Western Isles and the west coast of Scotland.
Marine industries bring approximately GBP 18 billion (USD 27.7bn) into the Scottish economy and there must be adequate provision to protect these interests