Little boat flexes its muscles and saves the day in Largs
You would be forgiven for thinking you were seeing things if you were driving passed Largs Pier around 8 o’clock last night.
You would be forgiven for thinking you were seeing things if you were driving passed Largs Pier around 8 o’clock last night.
A small fishing boat jumped into action to help rescue the CalMac car ferry Loch Shira after one of its engines failed in high winds shortly after leaving for the Cumbrae slip.
The little boat helped get the massive 1024 tonne ferry back to the Pier and into its berth.
Matt Ashwood posted on Facebook: “As the skipper on duty on-board Loch Shira tonight, I would like to say thanks to the Skipper and crew of the Guide Us for their assistance in getting us alongside tonight, much appreciated.”
Jordon McKee posted: “A ferry had a failed engine and Guide Us was on hand to assist in helping it round the Pier.
“Well done Guide Us and crew for helping out in strong winds from the skipper of the Guide Us.
“Not looking for any hero status we’re all in the same industry out here on the sea and we help each other out when needs be.”
A CalMac spokesman said: “The MV Loch Shira suffered an engine problem on crossing from Millport to Largs on Monday (April 11). It was able to make its way to Largs under its own power on secondary engines. A local fishing vessel was on hand to offer assistance in berthing at Largs.”
“After repair the vessel will resume service tomorrow."
The Largs Coastguard team were also in attendance they posted on Facebook: “The Largs Coastguard Rescue Team were called out by Belfast Coastguard Operations Centre this evening at 8.25pm to proceed to Largs pier where the car ferry Loch Shira had developed engine problems just off the pier when on passage to Cumbrae slip.
“The Loch Shira was assisted back to her berth by a local fishing boat and then made secure. The team then boarded and obtained details of the problem from the crew and after the problem was checked out and rectified by the ferry's engineer she then made her way to the slipway to disembark the remaining cars and passengers.
“Once safely alongside and secured on her berth the team returned to station to complete the relevant paperwork.”
NC.