CalMac ferry with over 300 passengers on board suffers engine trouble in the Minch

LIFEBOATS were scrambled this afternoon to assist a CalMac ferry that encountered difficulties in the middle of the Minch.

MV Loch Seaforth was travelling from Ullapool to Stornoway with 343 people on board when it suffered engine trouble sometime before 1pm.

RNLI Lifeboats based in Stornoway and Lochinver were sent out to escort the vessel to the Lewis harbour as it restored limited power to one of its main engines.

The incident meant that passengers faced several hours on board the ferry.

#Ullapool #Stornoway 08/08 The MV Loch Seaforth is now making her way steadily towards Stornoway and will arrive in approximately 2 hours. Once she has arrived in port we will undertake a full assessment. We will provide further regular updates.

— CalMac Service Info (@CalMac_Updates) August 8, 2018

A Coastguard spokeswoman told our sister title The Press & Journal: “MV Loch Seaforth, en route from Ullapool to Stornoway, has experienced some difficulties with the main engine cooling systems.

“There are a total of 343 people on board, including passengers and the ship’s crew. RNLI Lifeboats from Lochinver and Stornoway have been sent and the MCA ETV is also on route.”

She added: “At this time the vessel has restored limited power from one main engine and is proceeding to Stornoway escorted by the two RNLI Lifeboats.”

A spokesman for ferry operator CalMac said: “Following a technical issue the MV Loch Seaforth is now making her way steadily towards Stornoway.

“Once she has arrived in port we will undertake a full assessment.”