STORM DAMAGED FISHING VESSEL HEADING FOR SHELTER OF WESTRAY

Shetland Coastguard received a DSC (digital selective calling) distress alert at around 5.30am this morning from a 33metre fishing vessel 20nm west-north-west of Westray.

The O’Genita, with 16 people on board, had one of its bridge windows smashed in and some of their equipment had been damaged in the stormy conditions. Wind speed on scene at the time was a force 7 (31–38 mph), with squally showers and lightning in the area.

Shetland Coastguard told the vessel to alter course and head for shelter off Westray. The RNLI all-weather lifeboat from Stromness was sent to the scene to assist. As a precaution, the Coastguard helicopter from Sumburgh stood by at Westray airport and the Westray Coastguard Rescue Team was also alerted.

The O’Genita is now being escorted by the lifeboat and is heading for Westray.

 UPDATE: 11.50am Wednesday 10 December 2014

 The O'Genita is now safely alongside at Pierowall, Westray.

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