Numerous travellers were stranded in Stornoway overnight after relief ferry, MV Isle of Lewis, broke down.
Power was lost in one of the ship’s engines very shortly after she cast off from the port’s number three pier this Sunday (afternoon).
The Lewis was removed from her usual Barra run to cover the growing absence of the usual vessel MV Loch Seaforth which has suffered serious engine damage.
MV Isle of Lewis limped back to her berth after her engineers concluded repairs could potentially take some time.
A socially distanced queue grew outside the ticket office as Cal Mac staff rebooked journeys and arranged alternative options for disrupted passengers.
Cal Mac announced late last night repairs were completed with service due to resume on Monday morning.
A spokeswoman for the shipping company said: “We are sorry for the disruption that this has caused to passengers.”
However, the impact for passengers continued with the prospect of further sailings on Sunday ruled out leaving many Cal Mac customers urgently looking for a bed for the night.
Outside the ferry terminal in the afternoon were John and Jenny Clark desperately seeking a B&B.
Mr Clark said: “We don’t have accommodation. We don’t know what we’re going to do. It is difficult.”
The couple were also undecided on diverting via Harris or remaining in Stornoway to see if the ferry would operate on Monday.
Also looking up phone numbers for places to stay was Dylan Sibble.
He said: I’m stuck here and trying to find accommodation. I came from Inverness for a day out. I got the ferry over and planned to spend only an hour in Stornoway before heading back.
Anita Graham is required at work first thing on Monday and was fortunate to get onto the MV Hebridean Isles’ freight run as a foot passenger.
She said: “I had a lovely holiday at home but I’m working in the morning in Inverness and I need home.”
Her daughter Emma Graham along with Kieran Chalmers remain on the island as there was no space for any cars on the small capacity Heb Isles.
Passengers stranded after relief ferry suffers engine failure
17 May 2021
John and Jenny Clark
Kieran Chalmers and Emma Graham
Passengers queuing to find out their rebooking options