Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil is again calling for the Emergency Towing Vessel to be based in Stornoway following an incident with the cargo vessel Fame which lost power west of Scarp on the west side of Harris.

Commenting Angus MacNeil MP said:

“It took 14 hours for the ETV to reach this stricken vessel – how many times do we have 14 hours to save a life!

“The UK Government continue with their cost cutting while risking lives around our shores.  We have no insurance policy on the west coast of Scotland.

“We are fortunate to have skilled and dedicated lifeboat crews on the Stornoway and Leverburgh lifeboats who have been battling bad weather conditions all night to keep the vessel from grounding.  I understand that the vessel is now under tow and being taken to a safe shelter.”

ENDS