Disabled ship in trouble

A lifeboat is standing-by a stricken cargo ship which has lost steering in a force eight gale.

Coastguards are very concerned for the safety of her eight crew as high winds batter the bulk-carrier which is about 20 miles south of Barra Head.

A rescue or salvage tug is being sought for the Norwegian-owned MV Wilson Gdynia which is carrying a cargo of wood chips.

The 3,600 deadweight tonne Barbados-flagged ship is crawling along at a speed of between one to two knots and using her bow thruster as best she can to keep her head into the strong westerly wind.

Otherwise she would drift onshore towards rocks at Tiree or Mull.

Barra lifeboat is staying close by in case her crew have to be evacuated.

Stornoway Coastguard received a VHF radio call about the emergency situation around 10.30am and request Barra lifeboat to launch.

The Tobermory RNLI lifeboat will relieve the Barra crew at 6pm.

Carol Collins, Stornoway Coastguard watch manager said: “The weather on scene is a concern with gale force winds and high sea.

“The lifeboat will standby in case the crew need to be taken off. We are working with our counter pollution officers to source a tug for the vessel.”

Disabled ship in trouble in rough seas 12/4/14

The stricken MV Wilson Gdynia is identical to her sister ship shown in this photo

Wilson ASA