CalMac announces yet more ferry cancellations as engine trouble continues aboard MV Loch Seaforth
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YET more ferry cancellations were confirmed on the Ullapool-Stornoway route on Wednesday morning as ongoing engine problems continued to cause major issues.
The MV Loch Seaforth has been out of action since Monday afternoon after experiencing problems with its "engine control system".
CalMac initially hoped to have it up and running again on Tuesday, but when that afternoon's update came, it was forced to cancel the day's remaining sailings and the first crossing on Wednesday.
And, in a further update at 8.30am this morning, the under-fire ferry operator was forced to announce the cancellation of even more sailings – the 10.30am from Ullapool and the 2pm from Stornoway.
At the time of writing there is still uncertainty over whether the 5.30pm crossing from Ullapool will go ahead – with a review and update expected sometime around 2pm.
Related: CalMac Ullapool-Stornoway ferry cancellations to enter third day
With ferry crossings between Lewis and the mainland severely impacted, CalMac has been trying to ease some of the passenger backlog by running additional sailings between Uig on Skye and Tarbert on Harris.
But, owing to the volumes awaiting transport, it is prioritising freight, including food, medical supplies, animal feed and any "time sensitive" loads.
Remaining space is then being offered to general traffic.
These sailings depart Uig at 2.10pm, 6.30pm, and 10.50pm, and leave Tarbert at 4.20pm and 8.40pm.
A CalMac spokesman said contractors were aboard the MV Loch Seaforth trying to fix the engine issues.
They added: "Our port teams will be handling the prioritisation of traffic and will contact affected customers.
"To stay informed, download our app or follow our Twitter @CalMac_Updates so we can provide you with timely updates, with the latest information we have available. Alternatively, you can also sign up to our service status text updates."
