5 December, 2006

AN OIL supply vessel lost its port rudder yesterday morning (Monday) 90 miles east of Sumburgh Head, Shetland.

The Lerwick coastguard was notified at 4.50am when the Grampian Guardian's rudder stock fell off and the vessel started taking in water with 12 persons on board.

The vessel shut its water tight doors to alleviate the problem and the coastguard kept a constant watch on the situation.

Last night a coastguard spokeswoman said the Grampian Guardian was using its second starboard rudder to make its own way into Lerwick at three knots. "We are keeping a listening watch but do not anticipate any further problems," she said.

Lerwick Port Authority did not expect the Grampian Guardian to arrive until early this morning because of its slow speed.