Support vessel crewman killed in storms

The storms which battered Shetland have claimed the life of a crewman on the support vessel Vos Sailor.

A large wave damaged the vessel and Shetland Coastguard’s Oscar Romeo helicopter was involved in the search for the crewman about 120 miles north east of Aberdeen.

But this evening the Scottish government confirmed he had died. Minister for environment and climate change Paul Wheelhouse said: “My condolences go to the family and friends of the crew member who lost his life on the support vessel, Vos Sailor.

“These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”

While Shetland was beaten by the gales, the isles avoided the worst of the damage.

There were problems at Sandwick, Sandsayre and Boddam – where seaweed was left strewn across the road – as the winds whipped up the high tide.

A lamppost was blown over in Scalloway and there were slight delays at Sumburgh airport.

Mr Wheelhouse chaired a meeting of the Scottish government “resilience room” when the extent of damage across coastal areas became clear.

He said: “I received an update on the damage caused by floods and storms that have battered our coastal communities over the last twenty-four hours. The damage has been, in some places, extensive as a result of truly exceptional weather conditions.

“The combination of high tide and winds caused substantial disruption in the Northern Isles but no significant property damage has been reported.”

There was damage to bridges and sea defences on the Scottish mainland and some areas flooded.