Shapinsay and Eynhallow struck with issues within hours of each other

Despite two Orkney Ferries vessels being tied up with issues this afternoon, crew and engineers have worked to resolve the problems quickly.

This means the Shapinsay will be back on the Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre route running a scheduled vehicle and passenger service from Tuesday. The Nordic Sea has been stood down.

Orkney Ferries would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while the disruption was dealt with.

Two vessels – the Shapinsay and the Eynhallow – were hit by issues within hours of each other early on Monday afternoon.

Staff have, once again, been praised for the handling of the situation which has highlighted the limitations of Orkney’s ageing ferry fleet.

The Shapinsay ferry, which is covering on the run for the summer, suffered an issue with its firepump – and then the Eynhallow, which was brought in to assist, experienced an engine issue.

Booked passengers were contacted directly by Orkney Ferries and updates provided as necessary.

Councillor Mellissa Thomson, chair of the Orkney Ferries board and one of three elected members representing the North Isles, said: “Yet again Orkney Ferries staff on board the vessels and within the offices had to wade through a minefield of additional work to try and resolve the issues.

“One breakdown on any single day is unfortunate but two is just bordering on the ridiculous and it is way beyond the time for the funding to be secured to kickstart a replacement programme.

“My thanks go to all involved for their efforts, but this is becoming an all too often scenario.”