MV Alfred passengers set to take legal action against Pentland Ferries over Swona grounding
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Passengers who were injured when the MV Alfred ran aground in the Pentland Firth this summer are planning to take legal action.
More than 80 people had to be rescued after the vessel came ashore on Swona, between the mainland and Orkney.
One person was rushed to hospital and solicitors say that dozens more are feared to have suffered injuries ranging from fractures to soft tissue damage.
The collision in July also happened during the government’s Maritime Safety Week which aimed to improve vigilance and reduce accidents.
The Maritime Accident Investigations Branch (MAIB) is now investigating, which is expected to include a review of vessel operator Pentland Ferries.
Mark Gibson, partner and head of the foreign and travel department at Digby Brown solicitors, is working on behalf those who were injured in the crash.
He said: “Any mode of travelling has its risks but there are clear procedures designed to keep people safe, whether there be adverse conditions, mechanical issues or human error.
“For the passengers on board this must have been a shocking ordeal with the injuries and overall chaos impacting each person in a different way.
“The injuries we’re aware of so far relate to fractures, sprains and soft tissue damage but it’s possible there are injuries that are as yet unreported, including those who suffered psychiatric harm.
“Legal proceedings are at an early stage but we will continue to support and advise anyone affected by this significant collision.”
The MV Alfred ran aground on the uninhabited isle of Swona around 2pm on Tuesday, July 5, during a crossing between Gills Bay and St Margaret’s Hope.
There were 82 people on board who had to be transferred into two RNLI lifeboats – from Orkney and Thurso – and taken back to the mainland.
One person was rushed to Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall to treat a fractured shoulder.
Pentland Ferries' managing director Helen Inkster, who was appointed to the role the month before the incident, said in the aftermath: “Our first priority is the safety of our passengers and, as such, the crew were quick to implement the safety procedures for which they have been trained. Emergency services were called and passengers mustered as per protocol.
“Unfortunately, the impact of the ship grounding did lead to a few passengers sustaining injuries. We understand that the situation on board the vessel remained calm and we thank everyone for their patience and cooperation in difficult circumstances.
“We very much regret the inevitable impact this has had on those on board.”
The MAIB says the accident is “under investigation”.
