Lysblink Seaways to Be Towed to Shelter
Cargo ship Lysblink Seaways, which ran aground on Scotland’s west coast February 18, will be transported to shelter this afternoon after a successful ship-to-ship fuel oil transfer was performed yesterday, the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) reported.
The ship was refloated last week and anchored in Mingary Bay, though forecasts of bad weather led to a resolution to move the vessel into a more sheltered position. Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage & Intervention has authorized the move, MCA said, adding the decision has the full support of the Scottish Environment Group and Marine Scotland.
Eexpected to begin around 2 p.m. today, the tug Kingdom of Fife will tow the Lysblink Seaways out of Mingary Bay which is 1.5 miles east of Kilchoan Pier to anchorage in Scallastle Bay. It will take between four and a half to five hours to complete the 17-mile journey. The Temporary Exclusion Zone of 200 meters will still apply to the vessel while she is being moved.
The Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Herakles will remain on standby but will be released once the Lysblink Seaways is in a safe position.
