Marine / Investigation into grounding of fishing boat begins
THE MARINE Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has confirmed it has now started an investigation into the grounding of a fishing boat on rocks west of Shetland at the weekend.
It comes after an oily sheen was reported in the area by the Aith Lifeboat on Sunday when it returned to the scene for checks.
Fifteen crew members were airlifted by the coastguard from the 30m UK registered Coelleira in the early hours of Sunday morning after it ran aground on rocks at the Vee Skerries, which are found just west of Papa Stour.
No injuries were reported, although the crew were taken to the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick for checks.
On Monday a spokesman for the MAIB, the UK government agency which investigates marine accidents, said:
“We have started an investigation into the grounding of the UK registered fishing vessel Coelleira (OB93), west of Shetland, Scotland on Sunday 4 August.
“The 27m vessel’s 15 crew were airlifted from the vessel, which remains aground.”
15 crew winched off fishing vessel grounded in South Skerries, Shetland
HM Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter based at Sumburgh winches 15 crew off fishing vessel grounded in South Skerries, Shetland (4 August)
Posted by Maritime and Coastguard Agency on Sunday, 4 August 2019
The Sumburgh based coastguard helicopter was alerted, as was the Aith Lifeboat, at around 1.30am on Sunday.
The crew were winched off the vessel and taken to the Clickimin landing site, with the two rescue teams, the police and the Fisherman’s Mission on scene to provide assistance.
They were then checked over in hospital.
The coastguard emergency towing vessel Ievoli Black arrived on the scene at around 6pm on Sunday, and it has kept watch since.
The fishing vessel’s master and chief engineer were transferred back onboard late on Sunday afternoon to undertake an inspection of engines and propeller, and to see the extend of any other damage.
During this inspection, however, the vessel took on a greater list to port and the personnel were recovered to their support vessel before returning to Scalloway.
The crew members have been supported by the Fishermen’s Mission through the process.
The Vee Skerries are a small group of rocks around three miles north west of Papa Stour.
A lighthouse was erected there after Elinor Viking got into trouble in the area in the late 1970s.
The crew were airlifted from the vessel in poor conditions.
Lives were lost at the Vee Skerries in March 1930 when the Aberdeen-based trawler Ben Doran ran into trouble.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
