Questions to be asked following ship incident

Responding to news that the NorthLink freight ship Helliar has been taken out of service after grounding off Stromness yesterday, Monday, Orkney’s MSP, Liam McArthur said today that the incident raises “a number of serious questions.”

Commenting on the incident, he said: “Thankfully no passengers or crew were injured during this incident but it does raise a number of serious questions. Hopefully the investigation now underway can shed light on what happened and why.

“For now, however, with the Helliar out of action and Hamnavoe still on refit, Orkney is left without a service on the Stromness-Scrabster route. While numbers travelling at present might be limited, this remains a lifeline link.

“I will be seeking clarification from both Northlink and the Islands Minister on what steps are being taken to ensure the service is up and running again as soon as possible.”