This week, the Norwegian reefer ship Rotsund ran aground on a rocky shoreline near Breakish on the Isle of Skye in the Hebrides. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, prompting a swift response from local rescue teams.
Key Takeaways
The Rotsund, a Norwegian-flagged reefer, grounded at approximately 2:00 AM.
Local RNLI lifeboat stations from Kyle and Portree were dispatched for assistance.
The crew successfully freed the vessel using its thrusters by 4:15 AM.
No injuries or pollution were reported during the incident.
Incident Overview
At around 2:00 AM on Monday, the Rotsund, a 2,700 deadweight ton reefer operated by Norlines, began to drag anchor due to adverse weather conditions. The ship was aground on a rocky shoreline, raising immediate concerns about potential damage and causing pollution.
Upon receiving a distress call from the Rotsund, HM Coastguard quickly mobilized the Kyle RNLI lifeboat team, which departed at approximately 2:25 AM and arrived on the scene by 2:40 AM. The lifeboat crew discovered that the Rotsund’s stern was firmly lodged on the rocks, and strong winds and waves threatened to push the vessel further ashore.
Rescue Operations
The Kyle RNLI helmsman, Daniel Elliot, noted the urgency of the situation, stating, “There was a risk that the ship could have been pushed broadside onto the rocks.” Fortunately, there were no signs of pollution in the water, and the crew reported no injuries.
The RNLI team maintained a standby position while the Rotsund’s crew worked to free the ship from the rocks. The Portree lifeboat arrived on the scene around 3:40 AM to assist in the operation.
Successful Recovery
By approximately 4:15 AM, the crew of the Rotsund successfully managed to free the vessel using its own thrusters and engines. The RNLI teams remained on standby until a tugboat arrived to provide further assistance. Once the tug was on scene, the lifeboats returned to port, concluding their operation.
Mr. Elliot emphasized the importance of their presence during the incident, stating, “It was important that we stayed on scene to ensure that there was no unseen damage underneath the waterline which could pose a risk to the crew, or any pollution coming from the vessel which could pose a danger to the environment.”
The Importance of Maritime Safety and Response Strategies
The grounding of the Rotsund serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by maritime vessels in unpredictable weather conditions. Thanks to the prompt response of the RNLI and the crew’s efforts, a potentially disastrous situation was averted, ensuring the safety of both the crew and the surrounding environment.
Sources
Norwegian Reefer Goes Aground in the Hebrides, The Maritime Executive.
