Officers Of The Irishman Tug At Port Stanley In 1984

EDM number 970 in 2009-10, proposed by Roger Williams on 01/03/2010.
Categorised under the topics of Military operations and Shipping.

That this House recognises the bravery of Second Officer Peter Jones, Second Officer Keith Tasker and Captain Richard Exley, who in 1984 risked their lives to prevent a floating arsenal that had broken loose from its moorings in Port Stanley from crashing into a British troop ship, Rangatira, also moored in Port Stanley; notes that the floating arsenal was a barge carrying mines, unexploded artillery shells, grenades, mortars and various other munitions; further notes that the adverse weather conditions made this a particularly dangerous mission; further notes that both Second Officers had to jump from the tug on to the arsenal to secure it, with no thought for their personal safety; commends Captain Exley for his expert seamanship which enabled the manoeuvre to take place; acknowledges that the bravery shown by the crew of the Irishman prevented the potential loss of life of over 1,800 British troops; expresses concern that their bravery has never been officially acknowleged; further notes that the Merchant Navy Association has recognised the bravery of these three men and supports calls for them to be awarded a national honour; further notes that the fact that the event occurred over 25 years ago does not justify withholding such an honour; and calls on the Government to recommend that all three men be recognised in the next national honours to acknowledge the bravery they showed in extreme conditions.

This motion has been signed by a total of 32 MPs.