CalMac confirms additional sailings

The vessel encountered a technical failure at approx 11.05am as she was preparing to dock at Lochmaddy port on North Uist, which resulted in her striking pontoons in the harbour and the hull briefly touched the seabed.

Divers will make an inspection of the below-water area of the hull today (Monday) and, based on those findings, appropriate action will be taken.

Today (September 26), two return sailings, instead of the usual single return journey, will be made from Lochboisdale on South Uist to Mallaig.

The first sailing departed Lochboisdale at 0700 and arrived at Mallaig at 1030

The ferry will then depart Mallaig at 1050 and arrive at Lochboisdale at 1420.

There will be another departure from Lochboisdale at 1440 arriving at Mallaig at 1810 and returning from Mallaig at 1830 arriving at Lochboisdale at 2200.

There will also be an additional return sailing on the Berneray to Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, route, departing Berneray at 0950 and Leverburgh at 1055.

“We are doing everything possible to ease disruption for our customers and apologise for the undoubted inconvenience which is being experienced,” said CalMac’s Operations Director Drew Collier.

“We are grateful for the support, patience and understanding we have received from passengers and we ask that our customers continue to bear with us while we work to sort out the best alternatives possible. The safety of our passengers, crew and vessel is paramount and everyone can be assured that a full formal investigation is underway.”

The company is speaking directly to customers affected to ensure that the best alternatives for them are made.

Customers should continue to check CalMac’s website www.calmac.co.uk and social media channels for any further updates.