Eynhallow crew in fisherman rescue

The Chair of the board of Orkney Ferries, Councillor Mellissa Thomson, has praised the crew of the Orkney Ferries vessel MV Eynhallow for their quick actions in rescuing a fisherman in distress in Woodwick Bay off Evie this afternoon.

The vessel was enroute to Tingwall at around 14:35hrs this afternoon when the eagle eyed skipper spotted something in the water as they were passing the bay

On further investigation it was found to be a local fisherman sitting on top of his upturned boat waving to attract attention.

The vessel crew initiated their man over board procedures and recovered the casualty successfully onto the safety of the ferry -  from where he was transported to Tingwall.

The vessel has now been recovered and an incident report will be sent to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

Councillor Thomson said: "My heartfelt thanks to the crew of the Eynhallow for reacting so quickly and professionally in rescuing the casualty. This story has a happy ending, but we know all too well in Orkney waters that things don't always turn out that way.

"What an incredible day at work for our crew and my heart goes out to the man concerned, for whom this will have been such a difficult incident.”