MV Alfred escorted to St Margaret's Hope after grounding on Swona
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Pentland Ferries' vessel MV Alfred had to be refloated this afternoon after being grounded on the island of Swona.
The vessel had 97 people on board, including 82 passengers.
The grounding happened at about 2pm and Longhope and Thurso lifeboats were called to the scene.
A spokesperson for Pentland Ferries said passengers had already been transferred to the lifeboats before the ship was refloated. They were taken to St Margaret’s Hope.
The ship escorted to St Margaret’s Hope by the two lifeboats and arrived at around 4pm.
The spokesperson said an ambulance was on standby "to deal with potential injuries".
She added: "The safety of passengers is, of course, our first priority.
"A further statement will be issued as soon as we have more information."
A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “At approximately 2pm today, HM Coastguard was alerted to a passenger ferry carrying 97 people on board having gone aground on Swona.
"Thurso and Longhope lifeboats were sent to provide safety cover and begin evacuating the passengers from the ferry to the lifeboat while the ETV Ievoli Black was sent to provide a tow if required.
"The vessel was refloated within an hour and a half before continuing, under its own power, to St Margaret’s Hope. It has been escorted by the two lifeboats as well as two tugs from Orkney.
"Coastguard rescue teams from Kirkwall and St Margaret’s Hope were also sent to meet the vessel at port.”
Pentland Ferries operates daily services between Gills Bay and St Margaret’s Hope.
The £14 million MV Alfred made its inaugural voyage in October 2019, replacing the Pentalina on the route.
Built in Vietnam, it has been described as the most environmentally friendly ferry in Scotland. It can accommodate 430 passengers and 98 cars, or 54 cars and 12 articulated vehicles/coaches.
