Probe into freight ferry grounding 25/7/08
An investigation has been launched over the mysterious grounding of a Cal Mac ferry this morning (Fri).
The freight vessel MV Mùirneag hit a reef while attempting to manoeuvre to her berth in Stornoway harbour around 8 am.
She had crossed the Minch with a load of lorries and commercial vans from Ullapool and was approaching the link-span at the outer harbour’s number one pier.
Normally, the Mùirneag turns to starboard and then goes astern to back into the link span.
Her captain was on the bridge directing the manoeuvres when there was an apparent technical failure and she apparently drifted before grounding on rocks around Priest’s Island by the shore at the Lews Castle Grounds.
It is understood that that the use and operation of the steering gear is being examined during the probe.
Helped by the rising tide the 29-year-old ship which has an underwater draft of five metres used her own engines to force herself off the reef.
Stornoway lifeboat was launched and stood by the stranded vessel while she twisted to free herself for about 30 minutes.
The ship is very seaworthy and can handle heavy seas in the wild Minch. However, the tiny amount of commercial traffic from Lewis provides insufficient weight and can affect manoeuvring alongside the pier. Minor ship’s groundings are very common and are the marine equivalent of a car clipping the kerb.
It is unknown if the Mùirneag suffered any damage but there was no flooding nor any obvious cracks.
The 5810 gross tonnage ship is owned by Harrison Clyde and operated by ASP Glasgow on behalf of Cal Mac.
Divers were sent down to examine her underwater structure and check her hull and propeller and rudder for damage.
ASP Glasgow flew a ship inspector on the lunchtime flight to take charge of the internal probe.
Managing director Susana Germino said the ship cancelled her regular sailing last night (Fri) as a precaution and she expected a preliminary report on Monday.
She said: “There was no pollution and no injuries. The company is carrying out a full investigation but we cannot comment until we know the results. Divers have been down and a superintendent is now in Stornoway to look at the technical issues.”
