On October 28, 2009, the armed Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Wave Knight met Somali pirates transferring the British couple Paul and Rachel Chandler from their yacht Lynn Rival to a hijacked Singaporean container vessel.
Hostage: Rachel Chandler and her Somali captors. The British couple has made a direct plea on video warning UK authorities they fear the 'kidnappers are losing patience' and may kill them
When warning shots from Wave Knight failed to deter the pirates, its 100-strong crew stood by and did . . . absolutely nothing.
The obsession with Health and Safety, Political correctness, and all the trapping of this modern world were stifling initiative. On the spot decisions were discouraged. Risk assessments, permits to work, Cossh regulations, preps for firing chits, etc. All these precluded prompt action.
Read the whole article here and weep.
Oh, and there was a two year argument, on whether ring bolts on the upper deck should be painted grey or white.
Grey argument: Must paint grey to prevent the enemy spotting us.
Counter argument: Radar has been in existence since WW2
White argument: Will prevent sailors stubbing their toes
Counter argument: Why don't they look where they're going
Read the whole article here and weep.
Oh, and there was a two year argument, on whether ring bolts on the upper deck should be painted grey or white.
Grey argument: Must paint grey to prevent the enemy spotting us.
Counter argument: Radar has been in existence since WW2
White argument: Will prevent sailors stubbing their toes
Counter argument: Why don't they look where they're going
This shames the UK. You cannot imagine Trafalgar being held up whilst 'elf n safety carried out a risk assesment.
ReplyDeleteSuprised they have not removed the brass plaque on HMS Victory - "Nelson fell here" - its obviously a trip hazard.
OR " cannons are dangerous"
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I retired from the RFA too Nick but in this case the Wave Knight got it right. The Chandlers are still alive.
ReplyDelete