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Fisherman finds sub in his path | |
(1 day later) | |
A west coast fisherman is to claim for compensation from the MoD after he was forced to evasive action during a Nato exercise which wrecked his nets. | |
The Silver Cloud was fishing off Kinlochbervie when it was ordered to turn round because there was a submarine lying directly in its path. | The Silver Cloud was fishing off Kinlochbervie when it was ordered to turn round because there was a submarine lying directly in its path. |
John MacKenzie was forced to turn his boat, which resulted in his brand new nets being torn to shreds. | John MacKenzie was forced to turn his boat, which resulted in his brand new nets being torn to shreds. |
The Joint Warrior exercise has been ongoing for the past two weeks. | The Joint Warrior exercise has been ongoing for the past two weeks. |
The incident happened in the North Minch on Wednesday. | The incident happened in the North Minch on Wednesday. |
Mr MacKenzie's claim is being investigated by the MoD. | |
We are aware of a possible claim for compensation MoD spokesman | |
The ministry of defence said it took safety seriously and surface warships were in contact with fishing boats and any submarines close by. | |
A spokesman said the Royal Navy had been in touch with the fisherman and Mallaig and Northwest Fishermen's Association. | |
Mr MacKenzie said that when initially given the order to turn round, he replied saying that was impossible and he had no time to haul the nets. | Mr MacKenzie said that when initially given the order to turn round, he replied saying that was impossible and he had no time to haul the nets. |
He was then given a second order which he said was accompanied by a helicopter overhead. | He was then given a second order which he said was accompanied by a helicopter overhead. |
It is understood the submarine was French. | It is understood the submarine was French. |
Mr MacKenzie said he has applied for compensation. | |
The Mallaig and Northwest Fishermen's Association, of which he is a member, said such incidents were rare because the Royal Navy kept them well-informed about such exercises. | The Mallaig and Northwest Fishermen's Association, of which he is a member, said such incidents were rare because the Royal Navy kept them well-informed about such exercises. |
They said this incident had been caused by the unpredictable weather but that the Navy had handled the incident well. | They said this incident had been caused by the unpredictable weather but that the Navy had handled the incident well. |
The MoD spokesman said: "We are aware of a possible claim for compensation and if a claim is received, the fisherman's account will form part of the investigation as to whether any compensation is due. | |
"Our priority in the short term, however, is safety of all mariners and initial indications are that no submarine in the exercise closed within 6,000 yards of the fishing vessel." |
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