CALMAC says its Uist route will be disrupted for ‘some time’ after a 3,040-tonne ferry was unable to stop under its own power and crashed into a marina at Lochmaddy, North Uist.
The ferry operator said MV Hebrides is to make its way to dry dock in Greenock following the crash on Sunday September 25. The MV Hebrides was on a routine approach to Lochmaddy pier at 11am after travelling from Tarbert on the Isle of Harris. The ferry, which had a technical fault, became stuck on the sea bed and damaged the starboard propeller shaft after chains from the marina’s pontoon became entangled in it.
Diving inspections indicated the hull was intact and there was no water coming in. It is hoped that, weather permitting, MV Hebrides will begin the journey to Greenock under her own power - forecasts, however, have warned of severe gales. For safety reasons, the journey will be done in stages and it is planned she will enter dry dock at Greenock by the end of the week, assuming the ferry has been able to begin her journey as planned. MV Lord of the Isles (LOTI) will reposition to Uig on Skye.