Highlands & Islands MSP, Rhoda Grant, has submitted several urgent Parliamentary Questions to the Scottish Government, seeking answers on the MV Hebrides ferry crash into the pontoons at Lochmaddy on North Uist, caused by a technical failure.
The ferry ran aground on the marina pontoons at Lochmaddy at 11am on Sunday, causing damage to the vessel as well as to the pontoon, built two years ago at a cost of £400,000. Caledonian MacBrayne, the operator of the ferry, have said it was caused by a “technical failure” and have launched an enquiry into the crash.
Speaking about the ferry, Ms Grant said “It is vital we get answers on what caused the crash, and what is being done firstly to prevent this happening again, and secondly to protect the passengers and businesses who rely on this service during the disruption. I am interested to hear the answers from the Cabinet Secretary, especially regarding the provisions to enable people to travel to and from the islands, and additionally if there is any financial support either to the businesses who might be losing out on freight, or towards the repair of the marina.
It is a great relief that none of the passengers were injured, though many were very shaken. I would like to add my special thanks to the captain who, I understand, managed to steer the ship to avoid further damage.
I welcome the prompt announcement from CalMac that they have already launched an enquiry into the crash. The ferry services of the Hebrides are a lifeline to the island residents so more must be done to ensure the fleet are maintained and checked, and that an incident like this cannot happen again.”
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