CalMac ferry HEBRIDES overshoots pier

FerryCaledonian MacBrayne confirms that there was an incident with the car ferry HEBRIDES at Lochmaddy on North Uist. The incident occurred at 11:05 on Sunday (September 25) as the ferry, travelling from Tarbert on Harris, was approaching Lochmaddy Port.

The company said in a statement that, "a technical failure led to the vessel being unable to reduce speed sufficiently for the routine docking procedures and she struck both pontoons in Lochmaddy harbour and the seabed."

"No one was injured and the vessel's hull remains intact. A total of 76 passengers and crew were on board, as well as 13 cars, 1 lorry and 1 motorhome. She is now alongside safely at Lochmaddy. All passengers and vehicles have been disembarked and alternative routes for all those affected are being investigated."

"A team of divers is on its way to make underwater investigations of the hull and a full inquiry into what happened has been launched. Travel on the Uig-Tarbert-Lochmaddy route is disrupted and likely to remain so for some time/a minimum of 48 hours."