The scallop dredger from the Isle of Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway capsized and sank in a heavy storm in January 2000 with the loss of her entire seven man crew, including three members of the same family.

On board were Skipper Andrew Mills (known as Craig), 29, his brother Robin Mills, 33, their cousin David Mills, 17, Martin Milligan, 26, John Murphy, 22, David Lyons, 18, and 17-year-old Wesley Jolly.

The Solway Harvester sailed from Kirkudbright on January 10th 2000 for the Irish Sea scallop grounds. They had acquired 150 bags of scallops and the vessel was heading for home when the weather deteriorated and later overwhelmed the vessel.

She was eventually raised and brought to Douglas Harbour in the Isle of Man. This week the Manx Infrastructure Minister Philip Gawne admitted that the trawler’s rusting hulk would remain in Douglas harbour pending the outcome of already protracted legal action. He added that the Manx government has an obligation to the families of the deceased crew.

Mr Gawne told the Manx Parliament known as the Tynwald that the vessel would remain in the harbour until all legal and civil action against the former owner is over. He said:"I know it is an upsetting sight for many people. However, I do believe we are doing the right thing by the families".

Mr Gawne said the government had examined other alternatives such as relocating the vessel to other shipyards but the costs of that would be considerably higher.

"We thought perhaps we could ship the vessel to a quiet port tucked away somewhere in the UK or Ireland but because the vessel is no longer sea worthy, it is highly unlikely that a port would accept it, and in any case, we would then have to pay for the vessel to be there," he added. He also felt it would be wrong to put any further pressure on the families of the victims.

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