OCEAN KINETICS RECOVERS BREACHED FISHING VESSEL

OCEAN KINETICS RECOVERS BREACHED FISHING VESSEL 

Ocean Kinetics marine department successfully recovered the inshore fishing vessel Firecrest yesterday evening (Wednesday 22 July) from Bain’s Beach in Lerwick, where it had been breached by its skipper when it started taking in significant water on Wednesday.

While Shetland Coastguard temporarily closing the beach to allow the recovery to take place, Ocean Kinetics mobilised a dive team and two workboats to complete the salvage operation.

Working at low tide, the team sealed the damage to the hull, pumped out the flooded compartments and refloated the vessel before lifting her ashore for repairs.

The entire operation was completed within eight hours of the initial call, allowing the popular swimming spot to reopen to the public. No pollution was caused during the incident.

Managing director of Ocean Kinetics, John Henderson, said: “Given the vessel’s prominent position and the large number of tourists in town, there was some urgency to get the vessel salvaged and the road reopened.

“We’re pleased to have recovered the vessel safely, with no environmental impact, and helped to reopen the beach as quickly as possible.”