Letters / Strandings procedure needed
In light of the incident on Monday when 30 to 40 pilot whales came very close to stranding at Firths Voe, there surely should be an emergency procedure to deal with these cases. (Whales saved from mass stranding, SN, 3/09/13)
It’s not like they happen very often, but if it wasn’t for the Sullom Voe Pollution Crew training then things could have taken a very different tack.
Isn’t it time that SNH, SSPCA, SVT and the SIC got together to get a procedure for any future events?
It wouldn’t really mean too much to them but would mean a lot to Shetland; as long as we could launch a couple of fast craft then it might mean we don’t have a major stranding of whales or dolphins.
This was something Shetland Sea Mammal Group tried to set up many years ago, but it never came to any fruition.
I’m sure the SIC wouldn’t like to have to sort out a mass stranding in this day and age of cost cutting.
It would be much cheaper to have to pay a part payment for fuel for a few hours.
They have boats at Sullom Voe and Scalloway, along with SVT boats at Sullom Voe. SNH as far as I know has a fast rib.
What needs to happen needs to happen quickly and not be put on the back burner as usual. “We got away with it this time”.
Shetland might not be as lucky the next time.
Liz Holmes
Voe
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