Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has responded to a letter from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Vice Convenor, who had raised concerns about the perceived performance of the Stornoway to Ullapool freight vessel MV Muirneag.

In his letter to Angus Campbell, CalMac Chairman Dr Harold Mills confirms that the Company has completed an internal inquiry into a recent specific incident which attracted some media attention, and that there are no other enquiries taking place into what happened. Dr Mills also confirms that the Company retains full confidence in the seamanship and professionalism of the crew of MV Muirneag and compliments the crew on their handling of the November 11 incident which took place in wholly exceptional weather.

The full text of Dr Mills’ letter is as follows:

I can fully appreciate that, following the media coverage of the recent stormy weather and the way MV Mùirneag coped in the exceptional circumstances that prevailed on November 11th there might be concerns. However, I would ask that these be kept in proportion and treated with some caution.

For the record, it is important that it be established that the seamanship of the Master and crew in question on the occasion referred to is not in doubt. A full examination of what happened has shown that all their decisions were made in the best interests of their crew and passengers and also the freight under their care.

I can confirm to you that while the ship may well have been "off course" there were very good reasons for her being where she was, in terms of the Master taking the best possible course of action to evade the worst of the weather.

Furthermore, it is important that you appreciate that at no time was the vessel out of control or beyond the safe transit of all on board. Indeed, her eventual arrival in Stornoway is testament to the skill and expertise of all her officers and crew.

It should also be noted that MV Isle of Lewis was caught up in the same storm that delayed MV Mùirneag, and spent a considerable number of hours at sea, in excess of her normal time, while the storm abated. This has been largely overlooked in the media coverage but it is an important point, highlighting as it does the sudden and severe nature of the storm which overtook both vessels. MV Isle of Lewis sailed 45 minutes after and MV Mùirneag, and both Masters were operating with the same weather forecast information.

I would prefer for obvious reasons not to discuss the actual damage done to vehicles etc as this is a matter for resolution between the Company and the respective hauliers. This process is now well under way and is being conducted in an orderly and amicable fashion.

With regard to your general comments about the performance of MV Mùirneag, the Company is on record as having stated on several occasions that the perception of her performance does not in fact accord with the reality. The reliability of MV Mùirneag currently stands at 95.3 per cent since 1st April. I would suggest that given the nature of the ship’s route, and the fact that she sails at night-time, this is a very good record.

It is also worth noting, and we have stated this previously on numerous occasions, that the market for this type of ship is very limited at this time, and this has been the case for the last few years. There simply are no other ships available which Caledonian MacBrayne could charter, and those which are, are quite clearly not suitable.

In conclusion, I can assure you that the experiences of MV Isle of Lewis and MV Mùirneag were thoroughly investigated. Lessons are always learned in such circumstances and the Company has taken on board suggestions made as a result of their enquiries. You will wish to note that the MCA are not undertaking a further investigation into the sailing on 11th November.

Caledonian MacBrayne will continue to work with all the relevant agencies involved to ensure the best possible service within our resources. The Managing Director is in the process of engaging further with hauliers and the business community to inform them of our position and I hope that my explanation of the circumstances will help."

CalMac has also confirmed that meetings between the Managing Director and local hauliers in Stornoway are being held this week to discuss services to and from the Islands.

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, Caledonian MacBrayne. Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Issued: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 : 1100