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Western ferry passengers in engine failure rescue drama

January 26, 2012

FREE READ EXCLUSIVE:

PASSENGERS who were stranded onboard a stricken Western ferry told today of their fear after the vessel suffered an engine failure in choppy waters – and claimed that crew members initially failed to tell them what had gone wrong.

Frightened foot commuters, huddled together within the 49-year-old MV Sound of Sanda’s lounge, say they were merely told to stay where they were as the boat’s alarm rang out following the breakdown.

Student Lisa Low – who had to use Western after the passenger-only Argyll Ferries service was forced to cancel sailings due to adverse weather conditions – told CowalCourier.com: “The boat was already dipping up and down on the water before the alarm went off, then it was as if it was just a sitting duck on the water and I was really starting to panic because no-one told us what was going on.

“There were about 20 of us in the passenger area and there were a lot of students travelling home together because the Argyll Ferries had been cancelled.

“All the crew told us was to stay where we were, but people were genuinely worried and frightened. I started my journey at 3pm and I didn’t reach dry land until after 4.30.”

Another passenger, who declined to be named, said: “I was terrified because the boat was really starting to rock – and I saw a wee girl who must have been only about four or five and she was absolutely as white as a sheet.

“Someone from the crew came in and told us to stay put then he was off again, presumably to help to try to resolve the problem – but we were just left in limbo not knowing anything.”

One of the Sanda’s two engine’s conked out in mid-channel on route from McInroy’s Point to Hunters Quay yesterday – forcing her skipper to radio for help before two of Western’s other boats came to the rescue.

In unprecedented scenes the Sound of Shuna was lashed to the stricken ferry by a rope in order to power her home – and the Sound of Scarba provided additional support to make sure she could successfully berth.

But student Lisa, 17, said: “It was only after a man went out on to the car deck to try to find out what was going on that we found out we were going to be tied to another boat.”

Western Ferries’ shore staff came out of their office building to watch as the drama unfolded before them.

The company’s managing director Gordon Ross said:  “There was a loss of power to one of two engines on the Sanda.

“It is at times at these, that all those watching from the boats, the terminal and from the office can fully appreciate the professionalism and skill of the three crews and the shore-side personnel, who through their combined expertise brought the passengers and Sanda safely back to Hunters Quay, with only minimal delay or disruption to the service.”

Mr Ross – who said the drama added “around 30 to 40 minutes” on to the usual 20-minute journey time – declined to comment on passenger claims about a lack of information from the crew.

But he added: “We will review what happened.”

*Ferry factnote: The Sound of Sanda was built in Germany in 1963 for Amsterdam City Council. She and her sister ship Sound of Scalpay were bought by Western Ferries in the 1990s and overhauled at Greenock for use on the Hunters Quay to McInroy’s Point run.