Tanker drifted for an hour off Orkney

An oil tanker was left without engine power in the Fair Isle Channel earlier today, after developing engine problems on a voyage between Tranmere on Merseyside, and Strude in Norway.

Shetland Coastguard said that the vessel Emerald Spirit was between North Ronaldsay and Fair Isle when crew called in with information at 8.10am this morning.

The vessel was in no danger at the time of the incident according to the Coastguard, however the MCA counter-pollution and salvage officer was informed.

The Coastguard explained that the 244m long tanker, with 28 people onboard, had its engine stopped for just over an hour while repairs were made to a fuel valve.

The ship was underway once more at 9.20am.