Rescued ship alongside at Lyness

A cargo ship which broke down off Wick yesterday is alongside at Lyness this morning having been towed to safety by the OIC Marine Services tug Einar.

Wick RNLI was initially tasked to the vessel, the 88m long Bahamas registered Jomi, which is carrying a load of timber, and was manned by a crew of six, according to the Coastguard.

A spokesman for Wick RNLI explained that two lifeboats were involved in the call.

He said they were tasked by Shetland Coastguard just after 9.30am on Wednesday morning to go to the aid of the ship, which was half a mile offshore in Sinclair’s Bay.

The crew reported that the ship was dragging its anchor in the easterly swell and unable to get its engine started.

A relief lifeboat boat presently stationed at Wick then made best speed to the casualty. As the vessel was in danger of further slipping towards shore it was deemed best to also call in Wick Lifeboat which was still on station, and was going to sea on trials following an electronics refit. This was in case the ship had to be towed to deeper and safer water.

As the lifeboats stood by, the tug Einar, normally based in Scapa Flow, was also tasked to the incident to tow the vessel to a safe haven.

The Einar arrived on scene around 1.15pm and with assistance from the lifeboat crew, a tow was rigged and the cargo vessels anchor retrieved.

The vessel was then towed towards Scapa Flow for repairs.

The Coastguard emergency towing vessel Ievoli Black was later also on scene, shadowing the tow, added the MCA.

The Einar and Jomi reached Lyness at 7.30pm.