Two fishing boats in collision off Western Isles
24 July 2015
An investigation has been launched after two fishing boats crashed off the Western Isles.
The MFV Contest and the MFV Callina II collided about 16 miles east of Stornoway.
The port bow of the prawn trawler, Contest, is badly damaged and is holed above the waterline with her wooden planks smashed.
It is understood some of the MFV Contest’s four crew members who were sorting out her catch on her starboard side received a huge fright when the vessel suddenly listed heavily with a loud noise before righting herself when the crash happened.
The Callina suffered minor damage and later escorted the Contest into Stornoway harbour.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is conducting a probe into the collision which occurred in open water around 1am on Wednesday.
In addition, a Maritime and Coastguard Agency inspector is expected in Stornoway after the incident was reported.
Stuart McAlistair, 44, skipper of the Contest acknowledged a collision had occurred with the Callina and said he was awaiting a MCA inspector.
He said there were no injuries and accident has been reported to the MAIB who were due to investigate.
Mr McAlistair said the two skippers have discussed the situation cordially.
He added: “There is no animosity between us. It has been amicably settled. We all know how hard it is at the fishing at this time.”
Though registered in Lerwick, Shetland, the 18-
She has been fishing for shellfish in the north Minch this summer.
The Callina is one of a number of prawn trawlers in the Western Isles fishing fleet and lands her catch in Stornoway.
A spokesman for Stornoway Coastguard confirmed: “Two vessels collided in the Minch.
“They made their way to Stornoway and are awaiting a MAIB investigation.”