Overnight voyage with tug escorting MV Lord of the Isles to repair dock
8 August 2024
South Uist ferry, MV Lord of the Isles (Loti), will be out of action for an undetermined period due to a major main engine failure following an onboard fire.
The fire was extinguished by activating the engine room fire suppression system, but the incident resulted in the loss of power to her starboard engine.
Presently, it is impossible to estimate a timescale for the ship’s return to service as as the engine failure fault requires to be thoroughly investigated. Only then can firm plans be drawn for programme of repair works and ordering any replacement components.
An update on engineers’ assessment of the severity of the problem is expected on Saturday.
South Uist sailings are cancelled until towards the middle of next week at least under present estimates, and no replacement vessel is in sight. Intending passengers are been diverted via longer travel routes.
The Loti intends to depart her port of refuge in Armadale, Skye, tonight (Thursday) to steam south on one engine to a repair berth in Greenock.
River Clyde-based tug CMS Wrestler will stick close to the ferry throughout the voyage
for safety reasons. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) instructed the Loti
could not proceed to sea for the relocation voyage without an escort tug.
The Wrestler departed Greenock after 1am this morning and rendezvoused with the Loti at 6.30pm this evening.
Sea and weather conditions are not the best for the overnight run with strong winds forecasted. MV Lord of the Isles is operating on a single engine which will see her moving at a reduced speed of around 10 or 11 knots, and is sailing in the dark in coastal waters for much of the time.
A CalMac spokesperson told Hebrides News: "We are committed to doing everything we can to support the service to and from South Uist whilst MV Lord of the Isles is unavailable.
“Today, we have published additional sailings for the Sound of Barra operating from
Friday to Monday which are aligned to the Castlebay-Oban service.
"MV Lord of the Isles will leave Armadale port under tug escort this evening (Thursday), and arrive at a repair berth in Greenock tomorrow afternoon (Friday) where an assessment of required works will take place.
“We will keep the local community informed on her progress and contingency plans for the service in her absence. As soon as we are in a position to provide more information, we will do so."
Finlay Macrae, head of operations for CalMac, said: “An investigation is underway to establish the full facts of what led to the fire and the extent of the damage.
“A tug is on route to escort the vessel to a repair berth on the Clyde for further assessment and repairs, with more information being provided once available.
“Moving the vessel to a berth with full repair facilities will allow for these to
be completed more efficiently than transporting engineers and equipment to Armadale
and avoids further disruption to Mallaig-Armadale sailings.”
