Latest Dover Strait collision sparks call for pro-active Coastguard

Following the sinking of the car transporter Tricolor in the Dover Strait, calls have been made for coastguards to ‘intervene’ in the passages of ships heading into danger.

The Sea Safety Group also wants radar coverage from shore based authorities in France and England to be extended further north.

Poor training, low manning levels and pressure on ships’ officers to maintain schedules have been blamed for the rise in accidents – 17 collisions in the Dover Strait in the last three years.