Bob,
I think that says it all really! How ironic that we need these tugs to 'unbeach' one of our own most technologicaly advanced submarines let alone a laden oil tanker which may be drifting towards our coastline with potentialy disastrous effects. ....and we all know its just a matter of time until it happens again.
The clean up and knock on effects following such an event, both financially and ecologically are bound to cost more than the savings by withdrawing these 4 vessels. What an incredibly naive and cavalier decision this has been.
Regards
John J.