First Minister Pays Respects to Solway Harvester Tragedy
Written by admin on July 16, 2013
Respects were paid at a wreath laying ceremony to mark the Solway Harvester tragedy by First Minister Alex Salmond today joined the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man, the Hon Allan Bell.
The Solway Harvester, a scallop dredger from Kirkcudbright, sank off the Isle of Man in heavy storms on January 11, 2000. All seven crew members on board lost their lives in this tragedy.
Mr Salmond said that on behalf of the people of Scotland, he was grateful for this opportunity to pay tribute to the crew members of the Solway Harvester.
“Having represented a fishing community for 25 years, I understand only too well the impact that such a tragedy has, not only on the families of those lost, but on the wider community,” Mr Salmond said.
“It is a painful reminder of the dangerous environment in which our fishermen work each and every day and the brave efforts that our rescue services always make to help those in need.”
Mr Bell said that it is fitting that the First Minister’s visit to the Isle of Man commenced with a solemn tribute at the memorial which overlooks the Irish Sea.
“The memorial is a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of the crew of the Solway Harvester and a testament to the strong ties between Scotland and the Isle of Man,” Mr Bell said.
“As a seafaring nation, we understood the heartache of those left behind and felt it was important to ensure the vessel was raised and the remains of the crew returned to their home.”
