The response we train for

Just ten minutes into a routine passage between Oban and Mull on a busy July sailing – our crew investigated a fire alarm in an area near the vessel’s car deck.

While the vessel slowed down, highly trained members of the crew were requested and assembled to investigate the area.

Shortly after, the Master made the decision to about turn, and sail back to Oban, informing passengers that we had found an area on board filled with smoke, with no naked flame, and the crew were cooling the area while the vessel returned to port.

HM Coastguard was informed, and very shortly after MV Isle of Mull was back alongside the terminal in Oban where she was met by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. All passengers were put ashore as a precaution while investigations were carried out by the Caledonian MacBrayne crew and the fire service. In the meantime, our passengers were supported by our port team at the terminal.

The issue was quickly identified, isolated and the defective part replaced that evening.

Later the same evening, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) gave clearance for the vessel to return to service, which she did the next morning.

Captain Iain MacDonald commented: “We are very appreciative for the support of HM coastguard, the Scottish Fire and Rescue service and our own team – both on shore at the Oban terminal and on board the vessel. The latter were praised by the fire service for our quick and expert response.”

At CalMac our crews undergo firefighting training every five years and undertake weekly fire drills, which ensures we are well prepared should such incidents occur.

Port Manager at Oban, Angus John Smalley, who also volunteers as a rescue officer with HM Coastguard, saw the ‘tasking’ regarding MV Isle of Mull while at home and in his capacity with the Coastguard. He quickly returned to the port – this time as CalMac port manager – to support the team and liaise with services on site. Together, with the CalMac customer contact centre - they supported our customers, making sure everyone had what they needed. And everyone who wished to do so, was able to Mull on 1020pm sailing on board MV Loch Frisa who also serves the route.

Meantime, in Mull, MV Clansman diverted to Craignure on her return from Tiree to pick up traffic waiting to return to Oban. And those foot passengers who therefore missed their connections to Tobermory were driven there by our own Keighley MacIver – Senior Port Assistant at Craignure, since there were no taxis available to support.

A full team response to a situation our crew expertly train for.

Image credits: Oban port team (CalMac)