MP demands answers after alleged incident with Spanish vessel
A demand has been made for an urgent response from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) after a reported incident between a Spanish fishing vessel and a local trawler.
It comes after video footage was posted online showing a Spanish gill-netter vessel allegedly attempting to damage the propeller of a local whitefish trawler.
Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has written to the MCA’s chief executive Brian Johnson demanding action.
Mr Carmichael said: “These allegations are extremely concerning and demand an immediate response from the MCA.
“This is not the first time that we have had reports of aggressive and dangerous behaviour by Spanish trawlers in these waters.
“This footage brings home just how dangerous such behaviour can be.
“This is more than an issue of fisheries management, this is about basic maritime safety. The MCA must act accordingly. Fishermen should not expect harassment or unsafe practices from other vessels, no matter the political context.”
Charles Gallagher
This type of behaviour by any fishing vessel is highly dangerous and could endanger life and can never be tolerated by any vessel. But let’s not forget our own fishermen are not without sin, I instance, last years confrontation in the Gulf of Seinne where a Scottish boat was involved!!!
I’m tempted to remind people, “People in glass houses should not throw stones!!!”
ali Inkster
Yes Charlie I remember the incident well, better in fact than you seem to. A scoti boat was fishing perfectly legally in eu waters and was under a sustained attack with flares being fired at crew on deck and heavy shackles thrown at wheelhouse windows. Not forgetting the attempts to foul her prop.
You nationalists were outstanding in your support for the French on that occasion and it seems you will try and find excuses for the Spaniards when it is happening of wir shores.
John Sandison
“MP demands answers”
Let’s imagine the roles reversed…Spain had the most fertile fishing grounds in the world and British fishermen were behaving like the pirates in the article above. Me thinks the headline would be somewhat different…..
Alexander McMillan
This has been due to happen sooner or later, The quicker the better they get a real limit, not one that allows TOM DICK AND HARRY to fish on our Shore, The limit has to be in conjuction with Norway, the rest get back into there own waters, This is heading for another Cod war,with Scottish Skippers against English Skippers who control the foreign boats and fly the Union jack. The time has come for our governments to get a grip of this serious matter before it explodes and boats are damaged.