Chaos in Orkneys after 45 people, and snake, rescued from stranded ferry

Holiday chaos has ensued in the Orkney Islands after MV Alfred ran aground (5July22) on the Island of Swona and has been taken out of action up to, and including, 10 July. Holiday makers have been stranded, scrabbling to find accommodation on Orkney to extend their stay, and those on the mainland can’t get to their bookings.

Pentland Ferries’ MV Alfred came ashore on uninhabited Swona during a crossing between Gills Bay (mainland, west of John O’Groats) and St Margaret’s Hope (Orkneys) in the Pentland Firth.

The RNLI says its Longhope crew evacuated 45 people – and a snake – when the incident happened. The Thurso crew was on hand preparing to evacuate the remaining passengers, when the MV Alfred refloated itself. Stromness RNLI lifeboat volunteers, having heard of the unfolding drama on the coastguard radio, turned up at their boat and stood-by in case they were needed.

The somewhat shaken passengers and pet snake were safely transferred to St Margaret’s Hope onboard the Helen Comrie.

The ETV Ievoli Black was sent to provide a tow – but the ferry was refloated after 90 minutes and made its way to St Margaret’s Hope on the Orkney Islands under its own power.

At the time the vessel refloated, more than half of the 97 passengers onboard had been rescued.

After the ferry docked at St Margaret’s Hope pier, the RNLI says four of its casualty care trained crew boarded and assisted Scottish Ambulance Service staff attend to injured passengers.

One person was taken to hospital in Kirkwall due to injuries suffered in the incident.

Pentland Ferries’ recently appointed managing director Helen Inkster says: “Our first priority is the safety of our passengers and unfortunately some passengers have sustained injuries, the full extent of which is still being assessed.

“We have already initiated a full investigation as to what caused the ship to ground, and we welcome the Marine Accident Investigation Branch to Orkney today [6June22] to start its own investigation.”

The vessel, which can transport more than 400 passengers and almost 100 cars, entered service on the route in 2019.

Passengers have been posting their thanks on social media, praising the help they received from the RNLI crews.

“We are extremely lucky to have such emergency services on standby,” says one, while another states “the crew of the lifeboat did an amazing job today they made a horrible day that little bit easier.”

Questions have been raised about why the incident occurred. One says “Great job by emergency services, but the question must be ‘How do you hit an island you sail past everyday?'”

Several commentators mention the need to sail close to the island due to treacherous currents.

A Pentland Ferries statement says that ‘all sailings of MV Alfred have been suspended, up to and including Sunday 10 July. This is to allow for a full investigation of damage sustained during the grounding of the ship earlier today. We are contacting all customers who have travel booked with us and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.’

A spokesperson for MAIB says: “MAIB is aware of the grounding of the ferry Alfred in the Pentland Firth on July 5, resulting in damage to the vessel, embarked vehicles and passenger injuries.

“A preliminary assessment of the accident has commenced; this will involve deploying a team of inspectors to assess the vessel and recovering evidence, in order to determine the next steps.

“MAIB will update on its intentions once the preliminary assessment of the accident is complete.”

Images courtesy of RNLI crews from Longhope and Thurso.