Two hurt as ferry hits heavy seas on north route

Two male passengers were injured on board NorthLink’s ferry Hrossey during a choppy crossing between Aberdeen and Lerwick early on Wednesday morning.

The pair, a passenger and a crew member, both sustained injuries as the vessel sailed through heavy seas and winds and experienced two particularly significant rolls in quick succession, causing them to be thrown against bulkheads.

The passenger, who sustained rib damage while standing in the reception area of the vessel, was taken by ambulance to the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick and the crew member was taken by car.

The incident took place shortly after 6am as the Hrossey passed Sumburgh Head in a force nine gale and sea conditions described as “heavy with a significant swell”. In a statement, NorthLink said it would not be naming either of the injured parties.

When the Hrossey arrived, on schedule, in Lerwick on Wednesday morning there was a 45-minute delay in disembarking the 183 passengers due to power problems with the linkspan and passenger walkway, which Lerwick Port Authority subsequently said were a result of an overnight power cut in the town area.