A bad precedent being set

Sir,

The ordeal of the 60 people stranded on the pier on Thursday, August 12, was unnecessary.

Around 4pm, Ardrossan Coastguard responded to reports of a yacht with two people onboard drifting with engine failure.

The Caledonian Isles was diverted and Troon lifeboat was launched to assist.

A Coastguard helicopter was scrambled from Prestwick, and Largs Coastguard, plus two officers from Greenock were also tasked.

As Troon lifeboat arrived the two crew were evacuated. They had dropped anchor, were uninjured and needed no medical attention. The ferry continued its passage about 5pm.

But with winds picking up, its late arrival meant that further sailings were cancelled, leaving people stranded.

This was a dismal failure of command and control. Far too many bodies, and around 50 personnel, were involved.

It was not obvious what the Caledonian Isles could have achieved.

The two people on the yacht were not at risk of serious injury and death. They could have dropped anchor, and did. It was summer and daylight. Dedicated rescue vessels were responding.

In such circumstances, diverting the ferry to what was (under the International Maritime Organisation’s code) the lowest level of marine incident, sets a bad precedent. Ferry operators have obligations to their customers too. Shouldn’t someone get a grip?

Yours,

Eamonn Butler,

Lamlash.