News / Astronaut hits rock
THE LOCALLy owned crabber Astronaut with three people on board managed to reach the safety of the Malakoff slip in the early hours of Friday after hitting a rock near the access channel to Scalloway harbour.
The 16 metre Stornoway registered vessel sustained a leak that flooded a forward compartment.
The crew was able to stabilise the situation by pumping water from the vessel’s vivier tank, allowing the vessel to get in to the harbour on her own steam.
Aith lifeboat was launched into service at just before 1am but was stood down before reaching the scene of the incident.
Other vessels in the area were also alerted but were too far away to assist.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.