NHS Western Isles advises full crew change for Covid ferry
8 November 2020
A completely different crew is now required for the MV Isle of Lewis ferry following a covid outbreak associated with the vessel said Cal Mac.
Three seafarers with the Cal Mac vessel have tested positive for coronavirus.
With the ship’s current workforce all being sent home, Cal Mac HR staff are busy phoning around alternative personnel.
Calling back a large team of seafarers from leave at such short notice will stretch the firm's manning resources and take some time contact the number of people needed, it is understood.
On Sunday night, a full complement of crew had not been confirmed.
Contingency arrangements to provide a service for Barra on Monday were being drawn up.
MV Isle of Lewis was in Stornoway until Thursday until she returned to her regular Castlebay -
The first positive result from a Cal Mac crew member emerged earlier on Saturday. The individual had left the vessel on leave on Wednesday, after completing their scheduled period of duty, it is believed.
Two others also showed symptoms and took tests. They were confirmed as positive later in the day.
At the same time, NHS Western Isles confirmed a cluster of three positive coronavirus cases was identified in the islands without referring to the ferry outbreak.
One individual is self isolating in Lewis while the other two are isolating outwith the Outer Hebrides said the health board.
The affected seafarers close contacts onboard the ferry are isolating in their individual cabins.
The original intent was to deploy a handful of personnel to relieve them.
However, in an update, the Cal Mac highlighted: "We have been in extensive discussions with the Western Isles health board who as part of the Test and Protect programme have advised us that a full crew change is now required on MV Isle of Lewis as a precautionary measure as a result of the three positive cases related to the vessel. “
"The vessel is currently alongside in Oban being deep cleaned.
"Our crewing department are currently working on getting a full replacement crew."
No dedicated relief ferry is available for Barra. However, South Uist vessel, MV Isle of Arran will detour into Castlebay in the morning for a lengthy mainland-
The Arran will be held back to allow ferry traffic from Barra to travel to South Uist via on the MV Loch Portain on an additional 5.45am Sound of Barra. The last timetabled evening Eriskay crossings are cancelled as a result of the early start.
Robert Morrison, operations director for Cal Mac, said: "Three crew members from the MV Isle of Lewis have received positive tests for Covid-
"In line with strict procedures, the vessel was returned from Barra to Oban without passengers and will undergo a deep clean by a specialist company.
"A relief crew is being brought in to operate the vessel once it returns safely to service."
He added: "Cal Mac crew work in strict bubbles in order to protect passengers and colleagues but anyone concerned about potential symptoms should check the NHS Inform website.”
