A ferry was involved in a collision with another vessel while trying to dock in extreme weather conditions yesterday as Storm Caroline wreaked havoc across the north.
Northlink’s Orkney ferry Hamnavoe was unable to dock in Stromness and was escorted by a tug to Scapa Flow where she was expected to spend the night.
During the failed docking attempt Hamnavoe was involved in a collision with Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) vessel Pole Star.
A spokesman for the NLB said no-one aboard its vessel was hurt and there was no damage or pollution.
Stuart Garrett, managing director at Serco NorthLink Ferries, said: “Today our Pentland Firth vessel MV Hamnavoe was unable to dock at Stromness as a result of severe weather due to Storm Caroline and we are currently waiting for a break in the weather to ensure the safe arrival of our passengers in Orkney.
“While attempting to dock in these difficult conditions and with tug assistance, light contact was made with another vessel in the harbour which resulted in minor vessel damage but no injuries to those on board.
“The safety of our passengers is always paramount and as such, we will continue looking after our passengers on board until they are able to safely disembark. Current forecasts suggests that there is a possibility that this could be tomorrow.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation and we are updating our passengers as we know more.”