| UK. Stornoway Coastguard deploys Tug Anglian Prince to assist fishing vessel on rocks at Tanera Mor |
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| Tuesday, 31 October 2006 | |
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Coastguard news: Stornoway Coastguard were alerted at just after 6.00 a.m. this morning to the 1971 built fishing freight vessel, the `Harvest Caroline', which had dragged its anchors after suffering engine failure and was now aground on rocks in the Summer Isles near Ullapool with six people on board including one passenger, the skippers wife. `Mike Uniform', the Coastguard helicopter at Stornoway was immediately scrambled and the RNLI all weather lifeboat was also requested to launch. The Coastguard Tug, the `Anglian Prince' was also asked to set sail for the location which is at the south east corner of Tanera Mor. The crew on board the general cargo vessel reported that she was aground by the stern and that the stern plating had been damaged but was nevertheless holding, and that there appeared to be no major ingress of water. However there was a slight leak of oil seen from the starboard oil tank. The vessel is carrying 60 tonnes of fish feed in various holds and all the holds are reported to be dry. A 'pan pan' or urgency signal had been issued by the vessel earlier, and a Danish warship just outside Stornoway had responded, but at the present time was unable to assist. No other responses had been heard. The Agency's counter pollution team were also informed, and locally plans were set in motion for limited booming if required, in order to protect local fish farms. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch have also been informed. Ed Thompson, Stornoway Coastguard Watch Manager said: "The Master's wife has now been evacuated from the vessel to Ullapool where a Coastguard team manned the landing site, and a Coastguard pump has also been delivered to the vessel to assist them in stemming any leaks they may have. The Achiltibuie Coastguard Rescue Team is also in attendance and are observing the vessel from the shore which is sitting directly onto the shore. The remaining five crew intend to stay on board and assist in trying to refloat her in due course, with the Master considering transferring fuel internally in order to lessen any leak whilst maintaining his stability. The Coastguard Tug is due on scene later this morning. The weather on scene is on shore northerly winds of force 8 to 9 with a 2 metre swell locally." |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 31 October 2006 ) |
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