Yell Sound ferry service down to single vessel

THE YELL Sound ferry service has been reduced to a single vessel this afternoon (Thursday) due to what has been described as a “certification issue”.

A spokesperson for Shetland Islands Council said the “safety certificate on one of the vessels on Yell Sound needs to be recertified by the MCA”.

“We hope that this will be done tomorrow to allow the vessel to return to service as soon as possible,” they said on Thursday afternoon.

But a post from the ferry service’s Facebook page said the Yell Sound service will run with a shift timetable on Friday, Monday and Tuesday, with bookings available.

It added: “The booking staff are currently moving all day vessel bookings to the next available run eg – if you were booked on the 0815 they will move you to the 0845.

“The booking office staff will endeavour to contact all commuters but if the new booking time does not suit then please contact them as they may not be able to get in contact with everyone.

“Where possible the crews will endeavour to fit in extra runs where there is a build up of traffic.”

On Saturday and Sunday a normal timetable will be in force.

Shetland Islands Council apologised for the inconvenience caused.

Meanwhile a vehicle breakdown on the Bressay ferry mid-afternoon caused a queue of traffic but the situation has been resolved.