Sheryll Murray MP has written to Mike Penning, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, to highlight the need for a local Coastguard station to deal with emergencies that arise.
It has been reported that the ‘Ben my Chree’ sank lower in the water, the engine stopped, its AIS ceased to transmit and its navigation lights went out.
Sheryll said, “I have already met with Mike Penning to stress to him the need to keep the Coastguard station both at Falmouth and at Brixham. I have already said to him about the many incidents which happen around Cornwall on craft which do not have the AIS safety equipment such as small leisure craft and people enjoying our coastline.
“This case however highlights the fact that this equipment needs electricity and this vessel lost its signal when it needed it. There needs to be local people who know the area who can get the rescue craft to where it needs to be. The ‘Ben My Chree’ has just highlighted this most vividly.
“My husband is a local fisherman and I want to ensure that he and his fellow fishermen are safe as well as the many leisure and other commercial activities that are undertake in our waters.”
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For further information please contact Sheryll Murray’s office on 01579 344428