11 January 2013Last updated at 13:23

In Pictures: Solway Harvester sinking anniversary

Wreck of the Solway Harvester in Douglas harbour

The Solway Harvester sailed from Kirkcudbright in the early hours of 10 January 2000 headed for the rich Queenie grounds of the Irish Sea.

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

The rusting hull of the Solway Harvester

By the next morning the crew had filled 150 bags of scallops and were ready to head for home before the weather worsened, forcing Craig Mills to head for shelter at Ramsey Bay in the Isle of Man.

Map showing the position of the Solway Harvester

The wreck of the Solway Harvester was found on 15 January lying on her starboard side in 35m (115ft) of water, there were no survivors.

According to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, the vessel capsized because her fish room flooded, making her unstable.

In 2005, the boat’s owner Richard Gidney was acquitted of manslaughter charges when a judge ruled there was no case to answer.

The wreck has remained in Manx waters ever since due to the possibility of continuing legal action. Safety concerns have now prompted the Isle of Man government to move forward with wreck disposal plans, 13 years after a fishing vessel sank.

Isle Of Man / Ellan Vannin

In Pictures: Solway Harvester sinking anniversary

Share this page

Services

About BBC News