Drifting ship sparks rescue operation

A rescue operation is underway to assist a cargo ship which broke down in a gale and heavy seas off the west coast of Harris.

The MV Fame - with five crew onboard - lost propulsion power off Scarp and was being pushed southwards by strong winds.

The captain of the 54-metre long coaster radioed a pan-pan distress call - one level down from a mayday - after 5.40pm last night reporting the situation was urgent.

Sea swell during the severe gale was up to eight metres high.

The ship has anchored to slow the rate of drift.

Both Stornoway and Leverburgh lifeboats stood by the stricken ship overnight.

Stornoway coastguard helicopter was also at the scene.

Drifting ship sparks rescue operation

15 December 2017

The coastguard tug MV Ievoli Black departed Orkney around 7pm last night (wed) and was due to arrive at the location around 8.45am.

She is expected to take the ship under tow to a safe harbour under a commercial contract with her owners.

The Norwegian-flagged MV Fame works out of Mallaig and was transporting salmon feed supplies to fish farms in the Western Isles.

Wind speeds on scene have moderated to around 25mph.