The cargo ship “Fame” was holed after grounding off but later refloated at Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
The 800-dwt vessel (built 1966) was en route from Mallaig to Harris and Lewis with a cargo of salmon feed pellets when it got stuck in East Loch Tarbert in the early hours of Sunday morning according to Trade Winds. The ship is owned by the Faroe Islands company, Sandgrevstur.
A tug and lifeboat headed to the scene, and the 620 tonne fish-feed capable vessel was later refloated, although it took on water, the publication said. It’s now been tied up at Caledonian MacBrayne’s ferry berth in Tarbert awaiting a full assessment of the damage.
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) asked a CalMac ferry to leave port to allow “Fame” to dock, and this vessel has since been unable to berth again in Tarbert.
An MCA spokeswoman said: “As a result of the grounding on Sunday, “Fame” sustained damage to her hull.”
“Until the extent of this damage has been fully assessed and the current seaworthiness of vessel established, the MCA cannot allow the vessel to be moved from her current berth.”
“It is acknowledged that this is causing disruption to the ferry service, however MCA surveyors are attending at the earliest opportunity and will work closely with the owners, their classification society and the port to ensure this disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.”
Due to the damaged vessel, ferry services to and from Harris have now been suspended according to the BBC.
