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Ice Prince

Volume 470: debated on Thursday 24 January 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures her Department has taken to monitor the route of the floating timber lost from the Ice Prince; what system there is for warning shipping, sailors and swimmers of additional risk; what estimate she has made of the cost of removing the timber from beaches; which organisations are responsible for meeting the clear up costs; and if she will make a statement. (181569)

Following the sinking of the Ice Prince on 15 January, the wreck site and the floating timber was under daily surveillance by MCA aircraft, and vessels in the area were requested to report sightings to the Coastguard. Navigation warnings to shipping, detailing location and heading, were then broadcast by coastguard stations along the south coast and the French Préfet Maritime. Information was also being broadcast to shipping via the Dover channel navigation information system.

Media alerts were issued by the MCA in conjunction with local authorities and police to warn members of the public of the risk of engaging in any recreational activities close to the timber.

The owners/insurers of the Ice Prince have appointed a contractor to remove the timber from the shoreline and will bear the associated costs of the clear up.