Unst ferry out of action after fencing wire becomes entangled in propeller

The Unst ferry Bigga went out of service today due to damage to her stern gland. Divers investigating the problem found it had been caused by a length of fencing wire which had become entangled in the propeller.

Although the divers were able to remove the wire the ferry will have to sail south for repair. This leaves the Bluemull Sound service down to one ferry, the Fivla, as the second ferry, Geira, is in Lerwick for her annual overhaul.

Head of ferries Ken Duerden said the Bigga, which has capacity for 16 cars, will be out of action for a few days as the weather is making it unlikely she will sail to Fraserburgh for repair until the weekend.

Once there it will be a “straightforward job” to fix the stern gland and it will be done as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, he said, he would aim to get the 12-car Geira back on the run as soon as possible so that two ferries are operating in Bluemull Sound.

The Fivla, which can also take 12 cars, has been deputising for the Geira during her overhaul.