All South Uist ferry sailings are cancelled for the next few days after a leak was
discovered on the vessel.
Sea water was entering MV Lord of the Isles through a very small hole below the waterline.
After nearly 40 years, the weighted bob on a sounding tape eventually wore through
the bottom of a tank. The space is classed as a void and regular soundings or measurements
are taken to check if it is indeed empty as intended.
On this occasion water discovered within the tank was traced back to a 10mm hole.
The ship’s timetable is suspended until the issue is resolved.
The hole has been temporarily patched up and the tank pumped dry. The vessel will
depart Lochboisdale without passengers tomorrow (Tuesday) and navigate to Kennacraig
where a full repair is scheduled.
Initially, the plan was to head to the Clyde area but relocating to the Kintyre peninsula
allows for a quicker return to service due to its proximity to Oban.
Depending on the outcome of the repairs, the Lord of the Isles may resume South Uist
sailings on Thursday or Friday.
Until then CalMac is unable to provide a direct service for Lochboisdale as there
are no spare ships in the fleet.
However, an indirect, island-hopping detour is available. MV Loch Alainn will operate
additional sailings - pre-booking is essential - on the Sound of Barra to connect
with MV Isle of Lewis on the Castlebay - Oban service. A dawn run plus a night crossing
has been arranged but will not operate unless prior bookings are received by foot
passengers and vehicle drivers by 3pm the day before intended travel.
CalMac said: “Due to mechanical damage on MV Lord of the Isles that has caused water
ingress into a void tank, the Lochboisdale service has been cancelled.
CalMac’s South Uist ferry withdrawn after springing a leak
9 June 2025
