Salvage plan in the works for MV Priscilla

Plans to salvage the cargo vessel grounded at the Pentland Skerries are now being finalised, according to a government maritime representative.

Hugh Shaw, the secretary of state’s representative for maritime salvage and intervention (SOSrep) is closely monitoring the situation as effort to refloat MV Priscilla remain unsuccessful.

“Contracts are currently being finalised between the owner of the vessel, insurers and the salvors,” Mr Shaw explained, this afternoon, Thursday.

“Once that’s all been agreed, a small team of salvors will head up to the incident site to start gathering information which will assist them in preparing the salvage plan. Once we’re at that stage, I will then meet with the salvors to discuss their proposals.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have also confirmed that two tugboats are still on the scene — Green Isle and Ievoli Black.

Further updates on salvage plans are expected tomorrow.