HM Coastguard crews are making attempts to refloat a run aground cargo ship of the coast of the Pentland Skerries.
The 89m cargo ship ‘Priscilla’ was reported stranded in the early hours of this morning, running aground near the Pentland Skerries at approximately 3.30am just north east of Duncansby Head.
Thurso All Weather Lifeboat and a tug vessel are currently making preparations to relief the six person crew and tug the vessel from its position. The MCA’s ETV Ievoli Black is now on route to the vessel and is expected to arrive at around 6pm.
UPDATE – Within the hour tugs will attempt to tow the cargo vessel ‘Priscilla' from its current position. With MCA Surveyor approval it is hoped that vessel will be safe to be escorted to #Lyness #Hoy for further inspection and any temporary repairs https://t.co/gZjECw2RJQ
— Maritime&Coastguard (@MCA_media) July 18, 2018
Kaimes Beasley, Duty Controller for HM Coastguard said: “At this stage the vessel is stable and the crew on board are safe and well and there is no risk to life.
UPDATE Two tugs and Thurso @RNLI Lifeboat on scene with the grounded vessel #PentlandFirth. Intention is to refloat the vessel early to mid-afternoon just before high water. Vessel remains stable. No major damage and no pollution reported #allsafe https://t.co/gZjECw2RJQ pic.twitter.com/XmmLJBEyyb
— Maritime&Coastguard (@MCA_media) July 18, 2018
“This incident is ongoing and we will provide further updates as the situation develops.”
#HMCoastguard respond to 89m cargo ship, with 6 people onboard, aground off #PentlandSkerries #OrkneyIslands. Vessel stable. No major damage and no pollution reported. Refloat preparations underway with #Thurso @RNLI and tugs. MCA's #ETV on route #allsafe https://t.co/ItQ7QEpRWj pic.twitter.com/CA88NWntX2
— Maritime&Coastguard (@MCA_media) July 18, 2018
There is no significant damage to the cargo chip and no sign of any pollution on scene.
