A towing operation to take the ship to a repair facility is underway
An operation is underway to tow a cargo ship, which ran aground in the west Highlands last month, to a repair facility.
The Lysblink Seaways will be guided 150 miles to Inchgreen, Greenock on the Firth of Clyde.
The vessel grounded at Ardnamurchan Point nearly two weeks ago and was moved to Scallastle Bay in the Sound of Mull last Wednesday.
A passage plan has been agreed by Hugh Shaw, the secretary of state’s representative.
Mr Shaw said: “The tow will, where possible, take advantage of sheltered waters and will move through the Sound of Mull, Firth of Lorn, Sound of Jura and the North Channel before entering the Firth of Clyde.”
The towing operation will be supported by three tug vessels – Luca, Afon Menai and Forth Jouster.
In addition, coastguard vessel MCA Hunter will provide safety cover between Scallastle Bay and the Firth of Lorn.
Svitzer Salvage will have a team and salvage equipment on board the boat throughout.
The current temporary exclusion zone in Scallastle Bay will be cancelled but another will be put into place until the operation reaches Sound of Jura.
Towing operation begins for stricken Lysblink Seaways
