Vessel still grounded off Shetland coast eight days on

A fishing vessel is still grounded off the coast of Shetland – eight days after 15 crew members were dramatically airlifted from it.

The owner of the craft is still in the process of trying to remove the wreck as bad weather has put a halt any progress.

The 98ft long Colleira ran aground in the small hours of Sunday August 4 and has remained in its position at the Vee Skerries near Papa Stour.

An official probe by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch into the grounding is under way, to establish the full to circumstances incident.

The Oban-registered fishing vessel was forced to issue a distress call to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency before 15 members of the crew were winched from the vessel and taken to hospital on the mainland as a precaution.

Efforts were of the made initially to refloat the Colleira, which listed to its port side, but these proved

“The weather conditions have prevented any access”

unsuccessful.

A c o a s t g u a r d spokeswoman said: “The owners and insurers are attempting to recover the debris and oil from the vessel.

“However, the weather conditions to date have prevented any access to the island or the vessel.

“The MV Constructor has assumed guard duties and is standing by awaiting a suitable weather window to attempt the recovery and oil.

“The owners and insurers are continuing to work on plans to remove the wreck.”

The spokeswoman confirmed there have been no recent reports of any pollution from the vessel, with interested parties being kept in the loop over any developments. of the debris