CalMac ferry MV Hebrides evacuated after fire breaks out in engine room

A CalMac passenger ferry was evacuated on Tuesday afternoon, after a fire broke out in its engine room

The MV Hebrides had set sail from Uig on the Isle of Skye when the alarm was raised at about 2.40pm on Tuesday, March 28.

SFRS dispatched three crews to the UIG Ferry Terminal, where the boat quickly returned.

The was extinguished by crew members and firefighters left after making the area safe.

A CalMac spokesperson confirmed that there had been no casualties.

She said: “MV Hebrides is currently berthed in Uig after a fire broke out in the engine room during passage this afternoon. No-one was reported as injured and crew were able to extinguish the fire.

“Emergency services attended and have now been stood down. The vessel will remain berthed in Uig tonight.”

It comes just more than a year after the ferry was pulled from service over a fault with its firefighting system.

Services between Uig and Lochmaddy, and between Uig and Tarbert have been cancelled for the day.

Wednesday’s 7.30am service between Uig and Tarbert, and the 9.40am service between Uig and Lochmaddy have also been cancelled.

CalMac said there will be a review at 10am on Wednesday for sailings, and an amended timetable will be in place if services resume.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 2.40pm on Tuesday, March 28 to reports of a fire aboard a ship on the Isle of Skye.

“Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances to Uig Ferry Terminal.

“The fire was extinguished prior to the arrival of crews and firefighters thereafter worked to ensure the area was made safe before leaving the scene.

“There were no casualties.”