The Shetland Oil Disaster: Ex-captain's fears on route
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A SWEDISH former captain of the Braer said he would never have chosen a route between Orkney and the Shetland Islands where the ship ran aground.
Peter Hilding, 48, who lives in Britain, was quoted by the newspaper Expressen at the weekend as saying he always travelled north or south of the Shetland Islands when bound for North America from the Norwegian port of Mongstad. Mr Hilding said he was captain of the Braer for a year until late 1991. 'I never went between the Shetland Islands and Orkney. If I was bound for Canada I would go north of the Shetlands, and if I was going to New York or the Gulf of Mexico, I would choose the English Channel,' he said.
The reason was that the seas were too dangerous between the islands, even if the route could cut 24 hours from the journey.
However, Mr Hilding stopped short of criticising the Braer's Greek captain. He said skippers faced tremendous time pressure from owners.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments