Minch tug gone

[Nick]

.
The Minch ETV has been wirthdrawn after interim UK government funding for it ended.

The Northern Isles ETV is still in place for the moment.

[wully]

I can see the headlines now " Well, we never needed it until today..."

[NorthUp2]

I can see the headlines now " Well, we never needed it until today..."

You couldn't make this up.....a coaster Flinterspirit has just grounded on the east side of the Uists!

http://www.shipais.com/currentmap.php?map=Skye

Barra lifeboat launching...where is the CG tug? the wrong side of the Pentland Firth. (edit- and that was on Sunday)

[Nick]

.
Southwesterly 5 to 7, occasionally gale 8 forecast for the Minch. Hope everyone on board is OK.

[marisca]

The Anglian Sovereign appears to be heading south up near Cape Wrath and the Anglian Princess is just entering the Cromarty Firth.
Has apathy taken over? We and a variety of other folk got exercised by the withdrawal plan, were mollified by the 3 month's extension and I can't say I noticed any concerted campaign during that extension.

[Nick]

The Anglian Sovereign appears to be heading south up near Cape Wrath and the Anglian Princess is just entering the Cromarty Firth.
Has apathy taken over? We and a variety of other folk got exercised by the withdrawal plan, were mollified by the 3 month's extension and I can't say I noticed any concerted campaign during that extension.

I think most of us have given up on the current Westminster government - it's just one stupid, thoughtless decision after another.

Good news on the ship:

All 10 people on board were safe and well and the crew managed to successfully refloat the 4,500-tonne vessel at high tide at about 05:00. RNLI lifeboats from Barra and Stornoway are escorting the vessel. It will be inspected in Stornoway on Lewis before being allowed to continue its journey.

[wully]

When these idiots down south pulled the tugs they should have banned ships from the Minch.