Transport / Yell ferry returns to single vessel as crew isolate
THE YELL Sound ferry has returned to single vessel service due to Covid isolation requirements – just days after a linkspan problem disrupted sailings.
The service will run to a shift timetable today (Monday), with all bookings suspended.
Shetland Islands Council said it apologises for the inconvenience caused.
The service ran with a single vessel last week due to problems with the linkspan at Ulsta.
The issue affected sailings from Monday to Friday before a normal service resumed at the weekend.
North Isles councillor Ryan Thomson, who chairs the SIC’s environment and transport committee, said: “Once again, the fragility of our ferry service is highlighted in more service reduction due to self-isolation rules, which makes our already fragile ferry service even more critical.
“While self-isolation rules are in place, and cases of Covid-19 in Shetland remain high, there is always the possibility of disruption on ferries and our public transport network in general.
“Please check the voicebanks prior to travel if you can. The SIC apologises for the continued inconvenience.
“My heartfelt thanks to all in the isles who continue to have to adjust your lives to fit around timetable changes, and a big thanks to the crews who do a tremendous job during very testing times.”
Meanwhile the Bluemull Sound route is also single vessel today due to essential maintenance being carried out on the Bigga.
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