Select Committee to hear evidence

The Spadoni saga will be re-examined today.

A Tynwald Select Committee is sitting to reinvestigate the case of Port Erin couple Joan and Dante Spadoni.

They bought a fishing boat, the Suzanna D, ten years ago, after it had been issued with a safety certificate pending registration in the Isle of Man.

However, when it began fishing in Manx waters the certificate was withdrawn, after the vessel failed stability tests.

Matt Kennaugh reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

The Spadonis presented a Petition for Redress of Grievance five years ago, claiming the Island's Marine Administration had issued fishing vessel certificates while knowing the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency had been negligent in not carrying out adequate tests.

A Council of Ministers committee examined the issue and presented its findings last October but a Tynwald Select Committee will now re-investigate the matter and report back with recommendations.

Although the Isle of Man cannot directly hold UK authorities to account, it's felt the investigation will serve a worthwhile purpose.

Both Mr and Mrs Spadoni and former Rushen MHK John Rimington, who has supported them on the matter, will give evidence this afternoon.

The evidence will be heard in the Millennium Room in the legislative buildings in Douglas, from Mr Rimington at 2.30, and Mr and Mrs Spadoni an hour later.