The MV Lysblink Seaways aground at Kilchoan, Scotland. Screenshot via YouTube
The DFDS Seaways cargo ship ‘Lysblink Seaways’ is continuing its battle against the elements after running aground last week and later self-floating off the coast of Scotland.
According to an update from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the MV Lysblink Seaways dragged anchor in strong winds early Sunday morning amid ongoing salvage operations. Following the incident, a tow line was placed on board the the ship and it was towed back out to sea, where the vessel remains stable and at anchor 1.5 miles east of Kilchoan, located on Scotland’s Ardnamurchan Peninsula, in Mingary Bay. All 9 crew remain on board.
The UK-flagged MV Lysblink Seaways ran aground on February 18 at Kilchoan in the western entrance to the Sound of Mull, causing the ship to leak a small amount of oil. The vessel self-refloated shortly before 9 p.m. the following day, at which point the vessel was moved to a nearby anchorage for inspection and salvage operations.
As of Sunday, salvors were making final preparatory for the transfer of fuel oil from the ship’s damaged tank to other internal tanks on board the vessel. The MCA said that the fuel would need to be removed from the ship before it could be towed away from the area, but that the operation was highly dependent on the weather. High winds are forecasted for the Sound of Mull until Tuesday, the MCA said. The vessels ‘Forth Jouster’ and ‘Kingdom of Fife’ are on scene to assist with the salvage operation.
No oil sheen had been reported as a result of the incident on Sunday.
The Scottish Environment Group continues to monitor the operation, the MCA said. A Marine Response Centre has been established to assist with the oversight and delivery of all counter pollution measures.
The Temporary Exclusion Zone of 200 meters is now in place around the vessel’s new location.
So far there have been no indications of exactly how much fuel has leaked from the vessel since the initial grounding.
The MV Lysblink Seaways was carrying 50 tons of paper products from Belfast to Skogn in Norway when the grounding occurred. No injuries have been reported.
The salvage is being carried out by Svitzer.
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