DFDS Seaways’ cargo ship Lysblink Seaways has run aground on the west coast of Scotland today. The incident occurred at approximately 1:50AM local time according to the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). DFDS Seaways spokesperson Gert Jakobsen says the ship was lightly loaded with approximately 50 tons of paper products from Belfast to Skogn, Norway.
The MCA notes the vessel has 9 people on board and the Tobermory RNLI lifeboat has been standing by the vessel on scene overnight. Currently the crew remain on board and will await tugs arriving on scene.
The MCA has tasked the Emergency Towing Vessel Heracles to proceed to the scene and the vessel owner is currently in discussions with salvors to determine the next step forward.
There is no report of pollution and no injuries.
Update: An update Wednesday from the MCA said the tug “Forth Jouster” was diving equipment and will take about two hours to get from Mallaig, located on the west of the Highlands of Scotland, to the site of the Lysblink Seaways. Another larger tug, Kingdom of Fife, is expected to arrive just before midnight tonight, the MCA. Both tugs are operated by Briggs.
The Emergency Towing Vessel is still heading west with her normal operating area, the MCA. Salvage companies Svitzer and Smit are now also involved in the response.
A small oil sheen has been spotted on the starboard side of the vessel. The sheen measures only 2m by 2m and is estimated to be an “egg cup” in volume. As a result of the sheen, the Highland Council and the MCA are now sending counter-pollution equipment to the scene.
Vessel specifications
- Year built: 2000
- LOA: 129.00 metres
- Beam: 18.0 metres
- Draft: 6.6 metres
- GT: 7,409 tonnes
- Speed: 16,0 knots
- Cargo capacity: 160 TEU