MP Angus MacNeil calls for rethink on tug service cuts

Cuts to emergency towing vessels will put lives at risk, an MP has warned, after the grounding of a Dutch ship.

The incident happened just days after tugboat services were withdrawn from the Hebrides and prompted fresh calls for a rethink on the part of the UK Government.

MV Flintspirit, which was carrying a cargo of steel and wood, ran aground late on Monday night and, after refloating several hours later, was escorted to Stornoway by the Barra and Stornoway Lifeboats.

But SNP Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has warned: “We are only one incident away from tragedy and the UK Government is putting lives at risk.

“These vessels provide an essential service – let’s not forget it was a tugboat that, last year, rescued the stranded submarine, HMS Astute.”

The local council and Westminster transport committee have been among those calling for a rethink.

“It is only when a major event happens, such as this, that the value of the stand-by tug is realised,” Mr MacNeill added.

“Huge oil tankers pass east and west of the Hebrides daily, and every few years a nuclear submarine seems to go aground – we can’t afford to lose the tug.

“Our coastline has been left vulnerable by the removal of these emergency services,