Pilot boat takes on duty of providing ferry service across Bressay Sound

LERWICK Port Authority’s pilot boat Knab is being drafted in to provide a passenger-only service between Lerwick and Bressay after the ferry Fivla broke down earlier today (Saturday).

Shetland Islands Council has just announced that the pilot boat will commence the service at 9.30pm from the Bressay terminal.

People stranded on either side of the sound are asked to make their way to the two terminals.

The council said the service would continue tonight until the backlog has been cleared.

The Fivla – on the route to cover the Leirna while she is away in Fraserburgh in dry dock – broke down on the Lerwick side of the sound at around 6.30pm, leaving residents and visitors stranded on both sides.

Back in April the pilot boat Knab was similarly drafted in to transport foot passengers after the Leirna broke down.