MV Glen Sannox set to return to service after repairs to hull crack

The MV Glen Sannox is expected to return on Sunday after it was pulled from service due to the discovery of a crack in the hull.

CalMac confirmed the vessel was removed from service on Friday, just two weeks after returning from planned works.

It came after a crack was discovered on a weld seam on the vessel’s hull, which is close to the waterline.

The ferry operator said as a result, all MV Glen Sannox sailings on Saturday had been cancelled.

A spokesperson for CalMac said repairs were underway on the vessel, and it was expected to return to its timetabled service on Sunday.

MV Glen Sannox was removed from service on Friday after a crack on a weld seam was discovered. CalMac

A CalMac spokesperson said: “The dive inspection has identified a hairline crack on a weld seam on MV Glen Sannox’s hull earlier today and we can confirm repairs are now underway at Brodick and expected to complete later today.

“We anticipate MV Glen Sannox to resume timetabled service on Sunday 16 March and will confirm this evening.

“To provide cover for her absence today, MV Alfred is operating an extra return sailing, and the vast majority of booked customers have been able to travel.”

The incident with the vessel comes just days after it returned to service after planned works took place from February 24 to March 2.

The vessel had its first official sailing on January 13 departing from Troon.

Scottish Conservative MSP for West Scotland Jamie Greene said: “This latest fault has marked yet another unforgivable chapter in this shambolic ferry fiasco.

“While it’s welcome that services are to resume on Sunday, passengers will wonder why problems arose with the Glen Sannox just weeks into launching after a seven-year delay.

“Long-suffering islanders deserve better and will rightly be appalled by this latest failure which has left some passengers stranded.

“It is an absolute disgrace that not a single SNP minister has been held to account for their part in this national scandal which continues to unravel.

“Urgent clarity must be given on why a crack in the ship’s hull occurred in the first place and assurances must be given that the Glen Rosa will not suffer a similar fate.”