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CalMac ferry makes emergency stop after crack spotted in hull

MV Isle of Lewis
MV Isle of Lewis

CalMac was forced to reshuffle its fleet after one of its largest ships developed a crack in her hull, creating massive upheaval for a number of west coast island services.

MV Isle of Lewis was not permitted to carry out passenger voyages until her hull was patched up.

Quayside repairs were unsuccessful and the ship was urgently dispatched to dry dock in Greenock.

Hundreds of travellers to various islands were badly disrupted as CalMac cancelled sailings, sent passengers on lengthy detours and swapped ships to try and maintain lifeline services.

Barra traffic was the worst affected with a 165 mile island hopping diversion route via Mallaig, South Uist and Eriskay to get to Castlebay.

Essential maintenance for MV Caledonian Isles has been postponed to cover the Brodick run while their vessel, MV Isle of Arran, is deployed on the Oban – Barra run.

Services are due to get back to normal tomorrow by Wednesday after the MV Isle of Lewis was patched up.

She is due to resume sailings to Barra tomorrow releasing the MV Isle of Arran and allowing CalMac to re-arrange essential repairs to the MV Caledonian Isles.

A CalMac notice to travellers said: “The technical issue affecting MV Isle of Lewis has now been resolved.

“We thank our customers for their patience during this period of disruption and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Meanwhile, high winds and rough seas risk disruption tomorrow to Skye, South Uist, Canna, Eigg, Muck, Rum as well as the Sound of Barra route.