Shellfish boat sinking investigated

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Police investigate if boat sinking is sabotage 5/3/14

Detectives are investigating if the sinking of a shellfish boat in the Western Isles is sabotage.

A police investigation has been launched after the “stranger” or non-local MFV Quest, OB 87, sank while moored at the pier at the Acarsaid on Eriskay.

The 11-metre long Oban-registered Quest is mainland based and has been fishing in the Minch in recent weeks.

A smaller seven-metre long Eriskay creel boat, known locally as the Reul, banked alongside the Quest, was dragged down with her. The fibreglass vessel was refloated and was towed to Mallaig for repairs on Tuesday.

Briggs Marine from Aberdeen are on site undertaking the recovery of the Quest, using airbags to lift her off the seabed.

They are also trying to contain any pollution risk.

Locals said CID detectives from Stornoway were “milling around” after the sinking was suspected to be deliberate.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police received a report on the morning of Saturday 1 March of two vessels having sunk at Eriskay pontoons.”

“Inquiries are ongoing.”