Here is a press release received at Argyll FM this morning.
“Log Carrier Runs Aground On Sanda Island”
In the pitch black night of Saturday 7th of September, a mayday was heard on channel 16. A log carrying vessel, m.v. Fingal, an Irish owned boat had run aground on Sanda Island shortly before 10.30pm. The staff on Sanda, Dick Gannon, Charles and Wendy McVey and Mark Newbury, along with guests staying on the island, investigated. Clyde Coastguard co-ordinated the mayday after the distress signal went out from Captain Frank Allen. Sanda Island gave what help they could to the coastguard and acted as their eyes on the scene. Campbeltown lifeboat was launched and HMS Lancaster, who was in the area, also helped by sending out the rescue helicopter to investigate.A long night lay ahead for all as the vessel ran aground shortly after high water, with levels only going to go down, the captain decided to keep crew on board but evacuated 1 member of non essential staff. Campbeltown Lifeboat decided it would be more comfortable to evacuate to Sanda Island, who put them up and gave them a hearty breakfast. Later on, when the boat listed to 16 degrees, thereby endangering the large deck load of timber, a further three members of crew were evacuated leaving only the captain and engineer onboard.
The ship, which left Campbeltown port at 9pm the previous evening, survived the low water levels, and all involved are on stand by to assist with the rescue as the water levels rise. A tug from Ayrshire arrived and will make an attempt to pull the vessel clear on the highest tide level.Everyone was on lookout as Sanda, being Scotland’s 4th Official Bird Observatory, bird and wildlife could have been put at risk if the 34 tonnes of gas oil had leaked into the sea right on the shore of the island.Dean and Carol Battye from west Yorkshire, on holiday on Sanda, and who got married in the ruins of St Ninian’s Chapel that week, found the events very exciting for such a quiet piece of Kintyre’s Hidden Paradise. “It’s a stunning thing to see,” said Dean, “Such a large cargo vessel on a spot where my wife and I stood only days before, looking for sealife activity.”
The Vessel is owned by Lee Shipping Co, The Moorings, Sandy Lane, Republic of Ireland. A Contact for the company is Mr Kevin Flannagan and can be contacted on +353 402 39424. MV Fingal’s Captain Frank Allen is contactable on +353 87 256 6594www.sanda-island.co.uk
by 4th gen Suthen' » Sat Sep 08, 2007 10:22 am 
