Concerns for NHS staff after breakdown suspends sailings
There was concern that key NHS workers tackling the coronavirus outbreak and who depend on the Corran Ferry service to get to work were being put under additional pressure after the crossing’s main vessel broke down at the weekend and was still out of service yesterday (Wednesday).
With the back-up vessel, the MV Maid of Glencoul, still not back from her refit, the failure of a propulsion unit aboard the MV Corran forced the suspension of the vital lifeline service earlier this week.
The ferry service is operated by Highland Council, which said one of the MV Corran’s propulsion units had failed on Saturday evening and that delays had been caused to the MV Maid of Glencoul’s refit by the COVID-19 outbreak.
On Tuesday afternoon, Lochaber councillors received a verbal update from council managers about the current loss of service.
They heard that the broken propulsion unit is normally not a part that would be expected to fail and the COVID-19 lockdown complicated sourcing a replacement.
However, a new part was located on Tuesday with the hope it would be fitted and tested yesterday (Wednesday).
In a social media post, Councillor Andrew Baxter (Fort William and
Ardnamurchan) said there was a possibility the ferry could be running again on Wednesday, but realistically it was likely to be today (Thursday) at the earliest for a resumption of the service.
The Maid of Glencoul’s refit, halted when lockdown restrictions were introduced, was recommenced on Tuesday.
Mr Baxter commented: ‘Council officers met – virtually – with emergency partners first thing on Monday to make back up arrangements whilst the ferry is off.
‘The biggest concern was for key workers, including those in the NHS travelling to Fort William. Workarounds are in place, but these can only be a temporary fix. We can’t expect key workers, who are already under pressure, to cope with extended journeys for a continued period.
‘I’ve had several discussions about triggering contingency plans if there is an extended loss of service. There are a number of options that could be implemented quickly, and I’ve also received offers of support from operators that could provide an alternative, albeit very limited service.
‘If there are further complications I’ve asked officers to trigger contingency options as a matter of urgency. This loss of service illustrates why it is so important for the council to press ahead with the procurement of a replacement ferry. We will need that even if a fixed crossing is the longerterm option.’