Shipping Minister Stephen Ladyman has today announced that following a competitive bidding contest, Aberdeen-based firm Subsea 7 has been chosen as the main contractor for a detailed, underwater seabed survey of the fishing vessel 'Trident'.
The Trident, a UK registered trawler (PD 111), disappeared in October 1974 while in transit from the west coast of Scotland to her home port of Peterhead in the north east. She had on board a crew of seven, all of whom were lost.
Following upon discovery of the wreck by amateur divers in 2001, the Formal Investigation into the loss of the Trident was re-opened by the then Secretary of State for Transport, Stephen Byers.
The Advocate General for Scotland has responsibility for obtaining all relevant or potentially relevant evidence in relation to the causes of the loss and for presenting these to the Reopened Formal Investigation. The Advocate General has directed that a detailed underwater seabed survey of the wreck should take place to collect this evidence, which will include video images and measurements which could help to establish the probable cause.
The survey, which will take place in June 2006, will be funded by the Department for Transport. The Reopened Formal Investigation will be heard by the Sheriff Principal of Grampian Highland and Islands in Aberdeen
Dr Ladyman said:
"I hope that this will be of some comfort to the Trident families. Although of course there can be no absolute guarantee of success, both my Department and Subsea 7 will be doing all we can to meet the objectives of the survey.
"I am optimistic that the survey will help to reach some firm conclusions concerning the loss of the Trident, and I wish the teams well in their task."
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