Dutch Cargo Ship Aground in the Pentland Firth Off Scotland

Dutch-flagged M/V Prescilla aground in the Pentland Firth. Photo: UK

Update (Thursday) – The Coastguard reports that the situation remains unchanged and there was no attempt to refloat the vessel at high water Thursday morning. Two tugs remain on scene included the Emergency Towing Vessel Ievoli Black. 

Wednesday – An 89-meter cargo ship with six people on board ran aground in the Pentland Firth off Scotland on Wednesday as subsequent attempts to refloat the vessel proving unsuccessful.

The HM Coastguard says it received a report just after 3:30 a.m. of a vessel that had run aground on the Pentland Skerries approximately 5 nautical miles northeast of Duncansby Head.

The vessel, named Priscilla, remains stable and has reported no significant damage or any sign of pollution.

Two tugs and an RNLI Lifeboat arrived on scene and began making preparations to refloat the ship. However, after several attempts during the last high tide, the tugs were unable to move the Priscilla off the rocks.

The Emergency Towing Vessel Ievoli Black has now arrived on scene and will remain at the grounding site overnight along with an RNLI lifeboat.

The Coastguard said that it is unlikely that a further attempt will be made to refloat the vessel before the next high water period which is due at 4 a.m. Thursday.

“The crew are safe and well, said Kaimes Beasley, Duty Controller for HM Coastguard. “The weather conditions on scene are relatively calm for this type of operation and we will provide further updates as the situation unfolds.”

The M/V Priscilla is a Dutch-flagged cargo ship measuring 89 meters in length and 3,250 dwt.

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