The UK MAIB announced that it started a safety investigation of the grounding of the 89m Netherlands registered cargo ship ‘MV Priscilla’ on Pentland Skerries in the Pentland Firth during 18 July 2018.
UK MAIB inspectors are currently on the incident scene to collect evidence, aiming to establish the causes and circumstances of the accident.
They are also conducting an independent investigation and are working closely with the ship’s owner, Flag State, Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Secretary of State’s Representative Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP), and local authorities.
Once the investigation is finished, a report will be published.
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The vessel MV Priscilla, which ran aground off Caithness last week, remains in a stable condition but hard aground. However, a Salvage Control Unit (SCU) approved a salvage plan.
The vessel is carrying 52 tonnes of Marine Gas Oil (MGO), 4 tonnes of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), 2 tonnes of Lubricating Oil (LO) and has a cargo of 3,300 tonnes of bulk fertiliser in one cargo hold. The 6-person crew remain safe and well on board.
No pollution has been reported and the six crew members remain safe and well on board. However, in order to limit the possibility of pollution, it has been agreed to remove up to 35 tonnes of the MGO. The remaining MGO will be required for ship services.
As for the Heavy Fuel Oil, it is reported to be solidified and contained in a tank with no heating. No attempt will be made to remove it. The Lubricating Oil will remain on board for ship services.
