Wreck located as investigations continue

The Northern Lighthouse Board have confirmed that the wreck of the Cemfjord has now been located, some 12 miles east of Muckle Skerry.

Having arrived on scene at 1am yesterday, the NLB vessel Pharos carried out a sonar survey to determine the exact location of the wreck on the seabed, and depth of clear water above the wreck.

The NLB said that the wreck was identified at around 3pm yesterday, with 60 metres of water above the location.

A statement added: “With no danger to surface navigation identified the wreck has not been marked. The ship will remain in the Orkney area to assist the Marine Accident Investigation Branch in the coming days as they require and weather permits.”

• Meanwhile an empty liferaft, confirmed by the Coastguard as coming from the Cemfjord, was discovered in the sea 65 miles east of Duncansby Head on Monday.

The Coastguard said however, that there were “no signs of occupation” within the raft, adding that although the initial search and rescue operation had been stood down at the end of the weekend, vessels in the area should remain vigilant to any sightings which could be related to the incident.