Earl-Sigurd

The "Earl Sigurd" became grounded after an unexpected low tide off the North Ronaldsay pier in the Orkney islands at on May 13, 2014, at 2.30 p.m. The ferry's keel touched bottom and the vessel became trapped for two and a half hours. The ferry was reflaoted by the rising tide at around 5 p.m., and the vessel remained at the pier for another hour as a precaution. Divers inspected the ferry on May 14 but found only cosmetic damage. A survey of the seabed along the approach to the North Ronaldsay pier has taken place to confirm no submerged object was involved.

Orkney Ferries hoped to have the "Earl Sigurd" which suffered from bow visor problems back operating normally in the near future. For some time now, the bow visor on the "Earl Thorfinn" has been out of operation, which has meant that vehicles have had to reverse on or off the ferries. The visor suffered failures some months ago which required a detailed investigation as well as redesign and repair, to prevent the recurrence of problems. This has including the redesign and fitting of stronger hydraulic rams to both ships during refit earlier in 2014. Changes to the hydraulic control system have also been ordered and should be fitted to the vessel within the next two weeks. A contributing factor in the length of the process has been the requirement for the entire system with its new components to be approved and certified by the regulatory authorities. It was expected that final approval to use the upgraded systems will be given in the next week. Once approval is received and the hydraulic control system is fitted, normal double ended operations will recommence.

The "Earl Sigurd" rescued the crew of three of the f/v "Lady K" on June 14, 2013, in the morning. Also the new Sumburgh-based Coastguard rescue helicopter was scrambled after the creel boat struck rocks off the Orkney isle of Eday. The three local fishermen on board alerted the Coastguard at 8.25am before climbing into their liferaft and abandoning the "Lady K", an 8.5 metre Cygnus Cyclone. The helicopter arrived at 9.10 a.m. at the same time as the "Earl Sigurd", who took the men on board. The chopper crew stood by to ensure the men were dry, safe and well and the ferry took the men to Westray where they lived. Meanwhile the "Lady K" had come off the rocks and was drifting in Eday Sound where it is floating stern down. It was towed in submerged state to the pier at Eday. Report with photo: http://www.shetnews.co.uk/news/6961-fishermen-rescued