Fish farm support vessel rescues stranded cargo ship off Skye.
A fish farming support vessel played a key role in the rescue of a stranded Norwegian cargo ship off the east coast of Skye, towing it to safety after it ran aground early Tuesday morning.
The Gina Mary, a 25-metre aquaculture support vessel operated by Inverlussa Marine Services and contracted to Mowi, was mobilised from Kyle Harbour alongside the Kathryn Matheson, a 15-metre NabCat catamaran contracted for Bakkafrost Scotland.
The vessels were called in to assist the Rotsund, an 80-metre Norwegian-flagged cargo vessel that had dragged anchor and run aground in the Breakish area.
Portree RNLI lifeboat crews had already been deployed by the UK Coastguard after the Rotsund became stranded at around 2:18 am. Initially, the vessel’s crew attempted to free the ship using its thrusters while RNLI crews stood by for safety cover. By 4:15 am, as the tide rose, the Rotsund was able to break free from the rocks. However, stabilising the vessel required further assistance.
Inverlussa’s Havgull, a 26-metre fish feed delivery vessel, was initially contacted for towing support but lacked the necessary capacity. The call was then relayed to Inverlussa’s head office on Mull, which dispatched the Gina Mary, equipped with powerful engines and a heavy-duty towing winch.
Confirming the response, Inverlussa stated on Facebook:
“An early start for some of our crews this morning as they were alerted to aid a stricken vessel off the coast of Skye. Gina Mary and Kathryn Matheson were able to mobilise from nearby Kyle Harbour to aid the vessel which was having trouble holding anchor. With Portree RNLI already in attendance, Gina Mary was able to take the 80m cargo vessel under tow and relocate it to a safe location. Thanks to the crews on the Havgull, Kathryn Matheson and Gina Mary for their quick and professional response in coming to the aid of fellow mariners.”
The Gina Mary successfully took the Rotsund under tow and relocated it to a secure berth at Kishorn Port.
