Cargo Vessel Grounded on Scottish Coast Towed Today
The towing of the DFDS cargo vessel Lysblink Seaways began today at 1:00pm local time, the UK's Maritime Coast Guard Agency announced.
The vessel ran aground at Ardnamurchan Point in northwest Scotland almost two weeks ago, and was moved to Scallastle Bay in the sound of Mull last Wednesday, the Aberdeen Press and Journal reported.
A passage plan has been agreed to by Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State’s representative, and covers the 150 nautical mile tow to Inchgreen, Greenock on the Firth of Clyde.
“The tow will, where possible, take advantage of sheltered waters and will move through the Sound of Mull, Firth of Lorn, Sound of Jura and the North Channel before entering the Firth of Clyde," Shaw said.
The tug Luca will be the towing vessel and the tug Afon Menai will be connected to the stern. The Forth Jouster will provide support for the operation and Svitzer Salvage will have a team and salvage equipment on board the ‘Lysblink Seaways’ for the duration of the tow.
The current temporary exclusion zone in Scallastle Bay will be cancelled but another will be put into place until the vessel enters the Sound of Jura.The Coastguard vessel MCA Hunter will provide safety cover between Scallastle Bay and the Firth of Lorn.
The Scottish Environment Group continues to monitor events and is supporting the work being done.