Council ordered to lash down large vehicles on Bluemull route after Bigga incident
The SIC has warned it will result in less deck space and an ‘inevitable’ impact on the timetables
SHETLAND Islands Council (SIC) has warned there will be less deck space on its Blumeull Sound ferry route after it was ordered to make changes following an accident aboard the Bigga.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has told the SIC it must secure all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes at all times on ferries travelling between Yell and Unst.
That comes after a cement mixer toppled over on the Bigga two weeks ago, causing serious damage to vehicles and resulting in one person being treated for shock.
The SIC has said this will have an “inevitable” impact on its ferry timetables – with extra time being needed to lash vehicles down.
Before this month’s incident on the Bigga, the master of the vessel could decide not to lash down a vehicle depending on the conditions.
But the MCA has told the council that, irrespective of weather and tidal conditions, all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must be secured at all times.
Other inter-island ferry routes, including Fetlar, remain unaffected.
The SIC said its staff were working to assess what implications this change would have, and how they could minimise disruption on its ferry services.
“The effect of this new direction is that there will be some ongoing disruption to ferry services on Bluemull Sound while longer term arrangements are formulated and agreed,” the council said.
“It is inevitable that this will impact on ferry timetables, with extra time needed for larger vehicles to be lashed.
“Lashings will also reduce available deck space for other vehicles travelling at the same time.”
Concerns have already been raised for some time about the lack of space aboard the North Isles ferries.
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