Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leader Roddie Mackay has called upon the UK Government to reinstate a coastguard tug on the west coast after yet another “near miss” incident took place on Sunday morning.
The 65 metre long coaster, MV CEG Universe, broke down in a narrow channel with an eight knot current threatening to run her aground.
The 1,600 tonne ship -
RNLI lifeboats from Kyle of Lochalsh and Mallaig managed to hold the vessel off the shore until a tug from the BUTEC base in Kyle arrived.
Cllr Mackay said: “At the weekend we had another incident off the west coast which could have seriously impacted marine wildlife and the coastal environment.
“These incidents are all too frequent and we remain very concerned, as do colleagues in neighbouring councils, about the current situation which increases the risks for mariners and the environment.
“We will once again be making the case to the UK government for a second emergency towing vessel based on the west coast to address this serious issue.”
Photo: Kyle RNLI
Maritime “near miss” prompts call to reinstate coastguard tug
19 February 2018
Photo: Kyle RNLI