Solway Harvester: CM to pay tribute to crewmen

Seven fishermen died when the vessel sank off the coast of the IoM in 2000

The chief minister will lay a floral tribute at the Solway Harvester memorial today (12 January) to mark 25 years since the sinking of the Scottish scallop dredger. 

Seven Scottish fishermen died when the vessel sank off the coast of the Isle of Man in 2000.

They were Craig Mills, Robin Mills, David Mills, David Lyons, Wesley Jolly, John Murphy, and Martin Milligan.

At the time lifeboat crews from Douglas, Ramsey and Port St Mary led the initial search operation and rescue attempt.  

They were later joined by the Steam Packet Company, and other vessels in the Irish Sea, as well as aircraft which scrambled for the search operation.

Alfred Cannan said: "On this poignant anniversary we remember and pay tribute to the men who lost their lives.  

"Our thoughts are with their families and friends and with the close-knit fishing communities of Galloway – particularly Whithorn, Garlieston, and the Isle of Whithorn – where the crew were from.

"As a seafaring community, with a proud fishing heritage, the tragedy and loss are still keenly felt in the Isle of Man.  

"We have close links with the people of Scotland and there is an enduring bond between the Island and the crew’s hometowns."

Following the tragedy the Isle of Man Government mounted a £1 million operation to raise the Solway Harvester from the Manx seabed and recover the bodies of the crew enabling them to be repatriated to their native Scotland.

You can find out more about the Solway Harvester by listening to this episode of Island Life.