Coastguard tug contract extended

In a last minute move, emergency tug cover for Orkney and Shetland waters has been extended until the end of the month.

The contact with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency had been due to end at midnight last night, Wednesday, however an extension was agreed yesterday afternoon, a move confirmed the Scotland Office.

Talks are due to continue with the oil and gas industry about the provision of emergency towage cover around Orkney and Shetland into the future.

The tug Anglian Sovereign arrived back in Kirkwall Bay this morning.