Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron asked a question at First Ministers Questions on Thursday concerning the tragedy involving the sinking of the FV Nancy Glen, and the two missing men on board.

Donald Cameron MSP asked the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon:

“The First Minister will be aware of the tragic incident involving the sinking of the Nancy Glen fishing boat in Loch Fyne two weeks ago, and the fact that two local fishermen, Duncan MacDougall and Przemek Krawczyk are still missing. This tragedy has devastated the local community in Tarbert and in response the Clyde Fishermen’s Association has crowdfunded almost £200,000. Within the last hour, I spoke to Duncan’s father and he has asked all politicians to work together to bring the boys home. Can I ask the First Minister: what support can the Scottish Government offer to the families affected, and will she commit to working with the UK Government to ensure the vessel is recovered as soon as possible?”.

In response the First Minister said:

“I thank the member for raising this tragic issue. I have written to the bereaved families and I know that the thoughts of everybody in the chamber are with the families at this unimaginably difficult time.

The Cabinet has discussed the issue at some length, not just this week but last week, too. The marine accident investigation branch is in charge of the investigation and Fergus Ewing will speak to the MAIB this afternoon. The MAIB will have to apply a number of considerations to its assessment of whether the vessel can be recovered. As First Minister, I am very clear, and the Scottish Government is very clear, that one of those considerations should be the very understandable desire of the families to recover the bodies of their loved ones.

The Scottish Government will offer whatever support it can. I cannot pre-empt the conclusions of the MAIB, but I assure members that we will do everything possible, not just to support the families but to ensure that they can recover the bodies of their loved ones. I am sure that Fergus Ewing will keep members appropriately updated.”

In addition to raising the matter with the First Minister, Donald has written to the UK Government to ask them what action they can take to support the families at this time of need. He has also met with UK Government ministers to discuss the matter.

Donald commended the Clyde Fishermen’s Association in their efforts in raising almost £200,000 to support the families of Duncan MacDougall and Przemek Krawczyk, and he praised the spirit of the people of Tarbert who have shared the grief of this indescribable tragedy as a community.