Unite calls for action after damning ‘Flying Phantom’ report
30 September 2008
The Scottish Secretary of the trade
union Unite, John Quigley, has called for immediate action
following the release of the MAIB report into the sinking of the
Flying Phantom tug.
The Flying Phantom was sunk
while assisting a bulk carrier in thick fog on the Clyde last
December. Three of the tug’s four-man crew died; only the mate
managed to escape from the vessel’s wheelhouse and was rescued.
The investigation has identified a
substantial number of preventable factors which contributed towards
the deaths of the crew members including the finding that no
designated person was put in control of Clydeport’s safety
management procedures.
Mr. Quigley said, "As a result of this
damning report Unite are calling for a Public Inquiry into this
tragedy and for the Lord Advocate to bring charges of Culpable
Homicide against Clydeport."
"Our members go to work to provide for
themselves and their families – not to suffer injury or death.
"Unite will not let this issue slip and we shall be urging
action on this report from Ministers at the Scottish and UK
Parliaments. This case has ramifications for our members at all
Ports throughout the UK."
Unite has also reiterated calls for
corporate killing legislation to be placed back at the top of the
justice agenda following the release of the report. In particular,
Unite has made scornful reference to the section which referred to
a previous accident in December 2000. This revealed that
consideration was given to purchasing a fog detection system - that
could have helped avoid last year’s tragedy - at a cost of £30,000
but did not transpire.
ENDS
Notes to Editors: For further information, please contact Hugh
Scullion on 07768931308
