Lysblink Seaways Arrives Safely in Greenock for Repairs

MV Lysblink Seaways under tow by the tug Luca. Photo courtesy MCA

The stricken MV Lysblink Seaways is now safely berthed at Clydeport’s Great Harbour in Greenock, Scotland following a 150-mile tow from the Sound of Mull.

The ship arrived there at approximately 7:55 p.m. Thursday with help from the lead towing vessel Luca and the harbour tug Svitzer Milford, the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency reported. The tug Afon Menai, which assisted in the tow, was released and is returning to North Wales. Shortly after arrival, the vessel was handed back over to its owners and the salvage contract with Svitzer was terminated.

The Lysblink Seaways, which wreck on the Scottish coast near Kilchoan on February 18, is expected to enter into dry dock at the Inchgreen ship repair facility in Greenock, possibly on March 11.

As a contingency plan agreed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Clydeport, absorbent boom has been placed around the vessel, however the ship is not leaking any oil or is believed to pose a significant threat to the environment.

Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State’s representative Maritime Salvage and Intervention said: “I’m delighted with the way this operation has been carried out.”

“It has been a great example of how co-operation between many people and organisations can make a difference in a potentially challenging situation and I’d like to thank everyone who’s been involved, particularly the salvors and the Scottish Environment Group.”

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