The Celtic League has written to the Royal Navy asking if the submarine HMS Astute which was grounded off Skye in October had complied with IMO regulations in relation to the safety of other mariners prior to the incident.

The Navy have also been asked if any `advisory' about the sea trials was issued (see below):

"Commander Operations &

Rear Admiral Submarines

Maritime Operations Centre

Northwood Headquarters

Sandy Lane

NORTHWOOD

Middlesex

HA6 3HP

24/12/10

Dear Sir,

I write with reference to the incident earlier this year when the Royal Navynuclear submarine HMS Astute ran aground off Skye.

Recalling earlier incidents between submarines and motor fishing vessels which led to the adoption by the International Maritime Organisation of resolution A599(15) - subsequently revoked and superceded by A709(17): Also recalling the serious incident in November 1990 involving the nuclear submarine HMS Trenchant and the MFV Antares which resulted in four fatalities:

Can you advise if HMS Astute complied with the provisions of IMO resolution A709(17) in the hours preceding the incident off Skye?

Also could you advise if any `advisory' was issued to fishermen in the area off western Scotland where HMS Astute was engaged in sea trials by the Royal Navy?

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt

Director of Information"

Link to International Maritime Organisation resolution A709917) here:

(voir le site)

pdf

Related link on Celtic News here:

(voir le site)

J B Moffatt (Mr)

Director of Information

Celtic League

24/12/10