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4 November 2009
GALE force winds are again disrupting travel links in the
northern isles today (Wednesday) with ferry operator
NorthLink cancelling some of its sailings for the second
time this week.
Tonight’s 5.30pm sailing of the Hjaltland from Lerwick to
Kirkwall and Aberdeen was cancelled, while the Hrossey, due
to sail from Aberdeen to Lerwick at 7pm, is to delay her
departure until the early hours.
NorthLink said she was due to arrive in Lerwick at around
2pm on Thursday afternoon.
Passengers are advised to check in as normal in case weather
conditions eased and she can leave earlier.
The Hascosay’s 6pm sailing from Lerwick was also cancelled,
while NorthLink’s other cargo vessel Clare left Aberdeen for
Kirkwall at 3pm on Wednesday. |
Meanwhile, the stricken
cargo vessel Sirius and the Faroese tug Thor Goliath are
still sheltering in St Magnus Bay waiting for weather
conditions to ease.
Shetland Coastguard said the tow would at least move on to
Scapa Flow, in Orkney, on Thursday, before a final decision
is being made by insurers whether to head for Rotterdam or
Hanstholm.
On Tuesday, the Aith lifeboat had to take emergency supplies
to the six strong crew of the Sirius after they had run out
of fresh food and water.
The vessel lost all engine power 90 miles northwest of
Sumburgh on Saturday evening and was drifting for two days
before the Thor Goliath was able to get a line attached.
The tow initially set off for the Danish port of Hanstholm
but had to shelter from deteriorating weather conditions.
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