Ferry crash probe

The Marine Investigation Accident Branch (MAIB) has launched an investigation into how the Cal Mac ferry , MV Hebrides, ran aground on the rocky seabed and shore in North Uist.

Official probe launched into ferry crash

26 September 2016

The vessel destroyed pontoons and also apparently hit the quay after going astern to free herself.

The MAIB - the government department which probes maritime incidents - said its investigation will focus on the "grounding of a ferry and its subsequent heavy contact with a quay in Lochmaddy, North Uist.

"The vessel was damaged but there were no injuries reported."

The incident occurred just after 11am on Sunday as the Hebrides made a routine passage to Lochmaddy pier after travelling from Tarbert.

"The vessel was damaged but there were no injuries reported."

The incident occurred just after 11am on Sunday as the Hebrides made a routine passage to Lochmaddy pier after travelling from Tarbert.

At least one of her twin engines failed to cut her speed on her approach to the linkspan due to a "technical" problem.

A Cal Mac spokesperson said: "A technical failure led to an inability to decrease speed commensurate with the normal berthing procedure.

"The vessel struck pontoons at Lochmaddy Marina and made contact with rocks on the seabed as she came to a halt.

"No one was injured and the vessel berthed under her own power at the pier in Lochmaddy, where she remains alongside."

The ferry destroyed pontoons in the incident

Photo: Ben Wear

Ewen Johnson