LOCH PORTAIN
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Passenger lift still out of order
The 'Loch Portain' has returned to Oban from an annual overhaul in Greenock on Feb 25, 2025,, but its passenger lift is still out of action almost two months after breaking down. The fault developed in Jan, and it was hoped that contractors would fix it within two weeks. However, this did not happen, and there was an expectation that the lift used by passengers with mobility issues would be repaired while the vessel was away for its annual overhaul, but the lift was still out of order, leaving those affected without access to the toilets. As part of the Emergency evacuation procedures, a limited amount of reduced mobility passengers may remain in their cars on the car deck for the duration of the crossing. The emergency evacuation procedure requires passengers to exit via the lounges that are two flights up from the car deck, which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. CalMac recommended that passengers with reduced mobility book their travel in advance and inform them of their support requirements to confirm that they can be accommodated.
Ferry sent to Troon for repairs
The 'Loch Portain', which had suffered a thruster issue on Nov 15 and continued operating on only three engines and was not able to operate to normal weather limitations and had extended passage times, was sent to the Dales Marine Services in Troon for permanent repairs in drydock on Dec 1. It left the port of Largs at 10.30 a.m. and arrived at the yard at 1 p.m. The service has thus been cancelled. A passenger only service was operating between The Fisherman’s Pier in Berneray and the Leverburgh pontoons.
Ferry suffered thruster issue
The 'Loch Portain', operating on the route BernerayLeverburgh, suffered a technical issue impacting the thruster on Nov 15, 2024. As a result, all sailings were cancelled on the route. Due to the ferry operating on three engines as a result, the vessel was not able to operate to normal weather limitations. The service was at risk of disruption or cancellation until further notice. An amended timetable with extended passage time will operate as follows: Sunday 17 November Depart Berneray 08:30 Arrive Leverburgh 09:40 Depart Leverburgh 09:45 Arrive Berneray 10:55 Customers were advised that a sailing will operate from Tarbert to Lochmaddy at 16:20 on Nov 17. Monday 18 November Depart Berneray 08:15 Arrive Leverburgh 09:25 Depart Leverburgh 09:35 Arrive Berneray 10:45 Tuesday 19 November Depart Berneray 08:15 Arrive Leverburgh 09:25 Depart Leverburgh 09:35 Arrive Berneray 10:45 Depart Berneray 11:00 Arrive Leverburgh 12:10 Depart Leverburgh 12:20 Arrive Berneray 13:30 Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 November Depart Berneray 08:15 Arrive Leverburgh 09:25 Depart Leverburgh 09:35 Arrive Berneray 10:45 Depart Berneray 13:30 Arrive Leverburgh 14:40 Depart Leverburgh 14:50 Arrive Berneray 16:00
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