28.07.2009

Local MP afloat with Port Authority

Adam Holloway (centre) with PLA's Steve Rushbrook (left) and Geoff Buckby (click on image to enlarge)

Port of London Authority (PLA) crews have welcomed Gravesham MP, Adam Holloway aboard their salvage craft as he spent a morning seeing their work at first hand.

The port authority, which has its main operational bases in Mr Holloway's Gravesend constituency, oversees safety of navigation along 95 miles of the river from the Estuary in the east to Teddington Lock in the west.  Mr Holloway joined the PLA vessel Hookness, which was working alongside PLA Diver.  A four-man PLA dive team carried out a routine overhaul inspection on a large mooring in the river at Broadness, off Northfleet,

Adam Holloway, who is a trained diver, joined the team in the water to familiarise himself with the environment the divers face working in the Thames. 

Speaking after his return to the PLA's Marine Service base at Denton Wharf, Adam Holloway said:

"It was great to be able to spend time with the skilled crew of Hookness and the PLA divers.  This work is essential to keeping safe the many thousands of vessels that use the Port bringing us essentials including food and fuel."

PLA staff help Adam Holloway prepare to dive		Adam Holloway joins the PLA dive team
(click on images to enlarge)