Remotely operated survey equipment sinks in Yell Sound during cable inspections

AN UNDERWATER remotely operated vehicle (ROV) has sunk near Yell Sound while undertaking surveys of electric cables.

The ROV in question is described as small – 71cm in length, 52cm wide and 38cm in height.

There is also a 10m length of “umbilical” cable.

The ROV had been contracted by SSEN Distribution to inspect submarine electricity cables. The incident happened on 19 October. 

A marine alert issued after the ROV sunk said since the incident “equipment appears likely to have moved in the prevailing current and could potentially present a hazard in the water column”.

A report due to be presented to Shetland Islands Council’s harbour board next week said the operator does not consider it to be a danger to navigation as it sunk to the seabed.

However, the report said “communication of the incident was poor”.

A spokesperson from SSEN Distribution told Shetland News: “Contractors working on behalf of SSEN, conducting routine inspections of submarine electricity cables, have made every effort to keep authorities updated on events surrounding the loss of the small remote operated vehicle (ROV) and length of umbilical.

“Initial updates were impeded by the recent telecommunication cable fault affecting Shetland, however, the harbour authority has been appraised of the situation throughout, and advisory notices have also been issued to mariners.”