Power problems on board the MV Loch Seaforth travelling to Stornoway from Ullapool last Thursday shows adding to the fleet must be the ‘highest priority’ for the service.flat is according to Na h-Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan, who welcomed the news the MV Loch Seaforth has been repaired and is back in service. Dr Allan said: ‘First and foremost, it is worth recognising the efforts of engineers and crew who repaired the fault and returned MV Loch Seaforth to service in such a short time frame.’ The passenger ferry, with 343 people on board, was affected by a power cut caused by a problem with the main engine cooling systems. It eventually made it to port on one engine.
RNLI lifeboats from Stornoway and Lochinver escorted the ship into Stornoway Bay. Dr Allan continued: ‘This episode gives a stark illustration of just how quickly a serious situation can develop when the fleet is stretched to the very limit. I was in regular contact with CalMac, Transport Scotland and the cabinet secretary for transport throughout the evening and, while there were contingency plans being developed, it is clear they would have involved a series of redeployments which would inevitably have brought disruption to other areas. Completing the next two vessels for addition to the fleet must be the highest priority.’