FISHING VESSEL HITS ROCKS AT STOCKINISH


At 7.30 am this morning Stornoway Coastguard were alerted by the crew of the 16.5 metre fishing vessel ‘Sustain’ that they had hit rocks near Stockinish harbour and were taking water.

The three crew reported that their pump was coping but that they needed an emergency pump and an escort into a safe haven. It was determined by the Coastguard that all three crew were wearing lifejackets and that a liferaft is on board. Fortunately the weather is flat calm at present.

A further fishing vessel, the ‘Astronaut’ which was in Stockinish at the time is proceeded to the ‘Sustain’ which has 3000 litres of fuel on board.

The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R100 based at Stornoway has also been scrambled to the scene with an additional pump. The Stornoway RNLI all weather lifeboat was also requested to launch. The Tarbert Coastguard Rescue Team has also been turned out.

Duty Watch Manager at Stornoway Coastguard, Murdo Macaulay said that the vessel’s crew were now reporting that the pumps were coping and they were seeking an escort to Mallaig Harbour. The Coastguard will now maintain a watching brief on the fishing vessel and escort throughout their journey.

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