Thursday 21 November 2024
 2.8°C   NNE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Council / Faulty gearbox shaft led to Yell ferry break down

The Dunter taking the Daggri into Toft on Wednesday morning. Photo: Shetland News

DISRUPTION on the Yell Sound ferry service is set to continue until a faulty sheared gearbox shaft on the Daggri can either be repaired or spare parts be sourced from the supplier.

The vessel developed a fault after departing Ulsta on Wednesday morning and had to be towed to Toft by the Sullom Voe tug Dunter, reducing the service to a single vessel.

Shetland Islands Council confirmed late on Thursday that there had been no danger to passengers and the vessel at any time.

Ferry operations manager Andrew Inkster said it was not known yet when the ferry will be able to return to service.

“The vessel has been taken out of service and replacement parts are being sourced, although the time to effect repairs is uncertain,” he said.

“Once the master became aware of difficulties with the forward propulsion unit, he was still able to control the vessel with the rear unit.

“However, with restricted manoeuvrability, a tug from Sullom Voe assisted with bringing the vessel alongside the ferry terminal at Toft. Seven passengers on board were then disembarked, and divers and engineers were able to investigate.”

He added: “The master confirmed that he assessed there was no danger to vessel, crew or passengers at any time.”

A report is being prepared for the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

Meanwhile, ferry services on the Bluemull Sound service, which connects Unst and Fetlar to Yell, has reduced to a single vessel service this week due to crew sickness.

On Tuesday the SIC asked passengers to consider whether their journey was essential – leading to one local councillor calling it a “dark day” for the North Isles.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.