In August 1999 the ship was
seaworthy enough to sail to Germany, eventually to Stralsund a German town on the Baltic coast.
NEAR MISS: Smurfit's yacht The Deep Blue is docked until experts decide if it's
seaworthy' RELIEF: Tycoon Michael Smurfit and son Michael Alexander who was rescued from boat
He said: "You failed to ensure that the shipping vessel was operated in a safe manner in allowing it to go to sea in an un-
seaworthy state."
Both pounds 130million frigates were damaged but remain
seaworthy.
The crewmen quit refitted HMS Trafalgar furious it was passed as
seaworthy despite claims it had 270 safety defects.
She has as many as 270 defects - yet was still passed
seaworthy.
Claims that the Kirkcudbright-registered vessel, which was later salvaged, was not
seaworthy have always been denied by the boat's owner Richard Gidney.
But the 58-year-old grandfather insists: "I know there has been criticism but I've proved that I can sail and the boat is
seaworthy. I'm determined to achieve my goal - I'm not ready to give up yet."