LETTER: SEA EMPRESS DISASTER: WHY DID IT HAPPEN? WHAT LESSONS CAN BE LEARNT?

From Mr Robert Bowyer

Sir: Everyone in Pembrokeshire knows that we need salvage tugs in Milford Haven. However, the man from the ministry and the multinational oil companies both say No.

Yours in despair,

Robert Bowyer

Fishguard,

Pembrokeshire

The writer is a councillor in the Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council.

From Mr B M Burley

Sir: The Royal Air Force maintains an Air/Sea Rescue facility which, with the implicit consent of the Ministry of Defence and the general public, finds itself engaged almost daily in support of civilian (yachtsmen, climbers and the seriously ill) and commercial (vessels in distress) interests.

Judging from the tacit support that this "misapplication" of service resources apparently quite willingly receives from the nation's taxpayers, might they not equally support the establishment of an effective salvage vessel capability, manned and maintained by the Royal Navy?

Yours faithfully,

B M Burley

Group Captain (Retd)

St Osyth, Essex