The 18 meter long ferry Good Shepherd IV was rescued by the RNLI on August 5, 2014. The ferry which operates between Sumburgh to Fair Isle had suffered mechanical breakdown and had gone adrift off Sumburgh Head with 11 passengers and 4 crew on board. The vessel requested assistance and the RNLI lifeboat from Lerwick was dispatched to the scene. The lifeboat took the ferry under tow and proceeded to Grutness. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 18 meter long fishing vessel Prospect BF573 went aground just outside the Lerwick harbour, Shetland Islands. The Prospect went hard aground on the rocks locally known as Skibby Baa while going full speed at low tide. The impact caused severe hull damage and water ingress. The crew requested assistance with the Shetland Coastguard, Lerwick RNLI lifeboat, and other rescue vessels responding. The rescuers placed six pumps on board the fishing vessel while it floated free on the rising tide. The Prospect was taken under tow by the RNLI lifeboat and proceeded towards the harbour. However, the pumps could not keep up with the flooding and the Prospect began to list over. The Prospect foundered bow first. No reports of injuries. Authorities are monitoring the site for pollution. No reports if the vessel will be recovered or salvaged.
The 270 meter long, 13031 dwt tanker Loch Rannoch collided with the 35 meter long, 184 dwt tug Solan in the Sullom Voe near the oil terminal, Shetland Islands. The tug Solan was leading the tanker from the terminal when it lost power. The tug was struck by the Loch Rannoch and bounced down the length of the tanker’s hull. The tug was able to regain control again when the systems restarted. The Solan had little damage as the rubber fenders of the vessel took much of the impact. The four crew on board the tug were unharmed. The cause of the power loss was being investigated. The Solan has been removed from service.
