MV Pentalina: Investigation under way into grounding of vessel on key Caithness-Orkney route
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An investigation is under way after the MV Pentalina ran aground just days after the vessel returned to service between Caithness and Orkney.
The Pentland Ferries vessel was issued with a safety certificate on April 18 and it resumed service on the route between Gill's Bay and St Mary's Hope on Wednesday.
But on Saturday an unknown fault led to the vessel grounding close to St Margaret's Hope, with 60 passengers on board including a baby.
Nobody was injured in the incident.
The MV Pentalina replaced the newer MV Alfred on the route after the latter vessel had been loaned to CalMac in a £9 million deal to help the troubled ferry operator.
But now the north coast route has been left with no vessel to serve the important link.
Pentland Ferries confirmed on Sunday that an investigation was under way, but there is no plan in place for when the service will resume.
Helen Inkster, the managing director of Pentland Ferries, said: “Our first priority was the safety of our passengers and we can confirm that all are safe and well. All were transferred from the vessel to the lifeboats and then taken to the Cromarty Hall in St Margaret’s Hope, before going home or to their accommodation.
“We are very grateful for the prompt action, support and assistance of HM Coastguard services, RNLI, police, ambulance and fire and rescue services. Our thanks also goes to Cromarty Hall, Maynes Coaches, Robertsons, Leask Marine, Orkney Local Emergency Coordination Group and, of course, the crew of the Pentalina and our shoreside team whose response demonstrated the high level of preparation and training that was key in ensuring passengers remained calm and felt supported throughout.
“The vessel was moved from the beach to the linkspan at 6.30am [on Sunday] and is now undergoing a survey, from which we will know what (if any) damage has been sustained.
"Only when we know the extent of the problem, can we formulate a plan to resume service."
The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) is conducting a survey and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch are expected to arrive on Tuesday as part of the process.
Ms Inkster added: “We understand the impact this will have on the local community and those with travel plans. Our customer service team is currently contacting all prebooked passengers to inform them of the situation. In the meantime, we thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”
RNLI Longhope and RNLI Stromness were involved in the rescue operation on Saturday evening.
A spokeswoman for RNLI Longhope said: "The lifeboat left Longhope pier at 7.45pm and was shortly alongside the ferry, which due to an unknown fault, had run aground. The volunteer crew quickly and calmly transferred all the passengers including three children, one infant and half a dozen dogs, from the ferry to the lifeboat and then safely ashore. RNLI Stromness Lifeboat had also been launched and was in attendance.
"Thankfully no one was injured during the incident and the rescue went smoothly."
Liam McArthur, Lib Dem MSP for Orkney, praised the emergency services but was concerned about the fact the MV Pentalina had been so recently passed fit to return to service on the route.
He said: "There are important questions for the MCA to answer, having so recently inspected and certified MV Pentalina fit for service. People in Orkney will expect answers to those questions as a matter of urgency, not least given the importance of this service to the Orkney community.
"Answers are required too from the Scottish Government, whose failure to procure new ferries in a timely fashion has left services both in the north and on the west coast extremely vulnerable. As a result islanders and island communities are left paying the price.
"I have lodged a Topical Question and will be pressing the Transport Minister to set out what action he plans to take to ensure capacity is maintained on these key routes serving Orkney."
The MCA said the vessel had been in seaworthy condition when it was assessed less than two weeks ago.
A spokeswoman said: “The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, in conjunction with the vessel’s Classification Society, completed surveys on the Pentalina on April 18 and issued a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate. At this time the vessel met the standards required for issue of this certificate.
“Surveyors from the MCA will be attending the vessel today (Sunday) in St Margaret’s Hope to undertake initial fact finding to establish the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.”
