Marine / Passenger safety ‘first priority’ NorthLink says after medical evacuation
NORTHLINK has said the safety and wellbeing of its passengers is its “first priority” after a passenger was injured just an hour after the Hjaltland left Aberdeen.
A coastguard helicopter was called from Inverness to evacuate the injured passenger from the vessel at 6.47pm, with the ferry leaving Aberdeen harbour at 5pm.
The coastguard rescue team flew the passenger to Aberdeen Airport, where they were then transferred to hospital by ambulance.
The Hjaltland had left Aberdeen at the usual time, but NorthLink had warned its arrival into both Kirkwall and Lerwick could be delayed due to strong winds caused by Storm Ashley.
The ferry operator said the decision to evacuate the passenger to hospital for treatment was taken following an onboard medical assessment.
“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and personnel is our first priority and ahead of any sailing we consider all factors including weather forecast at each port and the sea conditions that the vessel will encounter,” NorthLink said.
“Ultimately the decision to sail is that of the master after reviewing all available forecasts.
“The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has set standards for industry for the provision of medical support on vessels.
“All our crew and vessels are certified to this standard and this procedure is followed in any medical event.”
Sunday night’s sailing of the Hrossey, from Lerwick to Aberdeen, left two hours early due to the forecasted high winds and arrived at the harbour at 9am this morning (Monday).
The Hjaltland will also sail from Lerwick for Kirkwall and Aberdeen an hour early tonight, due to forecasted adverse weather.
She will sail from Lerwick at 4.30pm and is expected to arrive at both Kirkwall and Aberdeen at the usual times.
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