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MV Priscilla Update — Local emergency task force meets

MV Priscilla Update — Local emergency task force meets

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Multi-agency Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordinating Group (OLECG) met today,  in response to the grounding of MV Priscilla at the Pentland Skerries.

The multi-agency Orkney Local Emergency Co-ordinating Group (OLECG) met today,  in response to the grounding of the freight vessel MV Priscilla on a skerry in the Pentland Firth.

Attempts to refloat the Priscilla, which has been grounded at the Pentland Skerries since yesterday morning, Wednesday, remain unsuccessful. Tugs have been unable to refloat the cargo vessel, after remaining in the area overnight.

The OLECG meeting was chaired by Hayley Green, Orkney Islands Council’s head of IT and facilities and vice-chair of OLECG.

“Key agencies are keeping a close eye on the situation and are ready to respond should this be required,” she explained.

According to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the Emergency Tow Vessel (ETV) Ievoli Black arrived on scene at around 5pm, last night, but was unable to refloat the Priscilla at high tide.  The ETV then stood by the vessel overnight, but as of the time of posting the situation remains unchanged.
A statement released by the MCA explains that no attempt has been made to move the vessel since high tide, yesterday evening. Two tugs, including the Ievoli Black are still on scene standing by.

The Longhope Lifeboat, which was called out yesterday evening, has now returned home, giving way to another lifeboat crew.

The Priscilla remains stable and there are no signs of any major damage or any signs of pollution. The crew is safe and well.
The MCA say an update will be provided when the situation changes.