mv Pentalina

This was the Pentalina this evening - only just back operating on the crossing to the mainland - and in trouble. She is tucked in at the wrong side of the pier and facing the wrong way. Grounded on the beach, the 60 passengers had to be taken off by lifeboats. We hear that luckily no one was hurt, but it must have been an unpleasant end to their crossing.

It's very impressive how the emergency services, local Emergency Contingency Group, crew and Pentland Ferries staff work together in a situation like this. Just up the road, as the Saturday night film goers left the village hall by the back door, the ferry passengers were welcomed at the front door, given tea and coffee and helped to arrange their onward travel.

What a worrying time now for Pentland Ferries. I imagine meetings going on well into the night after this evening's events.