The 17 meter long workboat Flamborough Light caught fire while berthed at Stromness Harbour. The fire started in the vessel’s engine room by an electrical short. Local fire brigade was alerted and were able to bring the blaze under control in a few hours. No reports of injuries as no crew were on the workboat at the time. Reports state damage to the engine room was significant.
On February 27, the 20 meter long fishing vessel Aquarius BF 89 became disabled off Noup Head on the Isle of Westray, Orkney, Scotland. The Aquarius was proceeding in heavy swells with waves reaching 6 meters when it’s gearbox failed. The vessel requested assistance with the Stromness RNLI lifeboat responding. The lifeboat arrived on scene and was able to pass a towline to the fishing vessel. Both vessels proceeded towards Orkney. A tug was requested, but the lifeboat continued to tow the Aquarius until another fishing vessel Discovery arrived and took over towing to Scrabster. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.