Pentalina return ‘being considered’ amid Alfred damage

MV Pentalina could be brought back into service on the Gills Bay route, Pentland Ferries has confirmed, as NorthLink introduces additional Pentland Firth sailings in the interim.

This follows the grounding of mv Alfred on Tuesday afternoon, which is understood to have resulted in damage to the hull.

A total of 97 passengers and crew were aboard the ferry when she was stricken on the island of Swona. Some injuries were sustained as a result of the incident, as well as damage to vehicles on the car deck.

While a further official update is expected from Pentland Ferries later this morning, the company has confirmed that it will be considering the reintroduction of its old vessel mv Pentalina, while Alfred goes under repair.

This is “one of the options being considered” filling a pre-scheduled period in dry dock.

Meanwhile, as a consequence of the current suspension of the Pentland Ferries service, NorthLink have introduced additional evening sailings between Scrabster and Stromness until July 10.

You can find out more on https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/booking-info/timetables/