Rescue efforts praised following Pentland Firth tragedy

Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead has praised those involved in the search operation since the cargo vessel Cemfjord was discovered overturned and sinking in the Pentland Firth on Saturday by the Serco NorthLink ferry Hrossey.

Despite an extensive air and sea search since then, there has been no trace of the eight man crew of the vessel.

Mr Lochhead also added: “Marine Scotland and the Scottish Government stand ready to assist if required.”

Meanwhile, RNLI crews, who were involved in an extensive search for survivors from the Cemfjord have expressed regret that no trace of the crew has been found.

Speaking after lifeboats from Stromness, Longhope, Wick and Thurso were stood down from the search yesterday, Longhope lifeboat coxswain Kevin Kirkpatrick said: “It is with heavy hearts that we returned to station but all the crew did their very best during this long tragic search. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the missing crew of the Cemfjord.”

Similar sentiments were also expressed from the other RNLI crews.