LOCH SHIRA

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Latest news

Ferry responded to sinking trawler - lifeboat capsized

The Loch Shira', serving on the route Largs-Cumbrae, assisted the HM Coastguard, responding to the 10-m-fishing vessel 'Spitfire' in distress, on Sep 10 at 11.35 a.m. As a consequence, the service was delayed. Also the Troon RNLI all weather lifeboat, Largs RNLI inshore lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 199 were mobilized to the scene just north of Little Cumbrae Island. Coastguard rescue teams from Cumbrae, Greenock and Largs were also sent to assist. The helicopter winched the two people on board from the sinking trawler and flew them to Largs Yacht Haven, where they were checked over by ambulance crew and released. The ferry was stood down by the Coastguard and resumed service with the 1:30 p.m. departure from Cumbrae. Also the 'Glen Sannox', which had been passing by as it returned to Troon from Greenock, was responding to the incident. The RNLI lifeboat 'R.A. Wilson', with a four member volunteer crew on board, capsized during the response in the Firth of Clyde.. The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat overturned on its way to the accident site, sending the rescue volunteers into the water. The crew was able to quickly right the lifeboat and get back onboard. They were then escorted back to the lifeboat station by other crews attending the emergency. The four RNLI volunteers were assessed paramedics and no injuries were reported, however the lifeboat was damaged. The RNLI has sent a relief lifeboat to the area while the original undergoes repairs. The RNLI started carrying out an investigation in conjunction with the MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch) into the incident. A notice to mariners (NTM 26/2025) has been issued by Peel Ports, advising vessels not to anchor or fish in the area until the wreck’s exact location has been confirmed. Although it’s not yet known what caused the 'Spitfire' to sink, it was feared one of its wooden planks may have given way, leading to water ingress. The 'Spitfire' was launched in 1974 at Dunbar in East Lothian, and was the second last boat to be built at the town’s boatyard, Weatherhead and Blackie, before it closed two years later. The trawler remained at the harbour for 50 years until being sold in 2024 and then sailed north and through the Caledonian Canal on its way to new owners on the west coast. It was trawling for prawns in waters north of Little Cumbrae island on its last voyage.

Ferry suffered main engine issue

The 'Loch Shira', serving on the route Largs - Cumbrae, suffered a technical issue with the main engine on April 1 and had to be removed from servie, while repairs were commenced in the port of Largs. After the issue has been resolved, the vessel resumed its sailings with the departure at 03:45 p.m. from Largs.

Waiting times due to ferry repair

To allow for maintenance works on the 'Loch Shira', serving on the route Largs-Cumbrae, the Ferry 'Loch Tarbert' was operate this route on March 20. Due to a reduced vehicle capacity, wait times might be increased. While the repairs were progressing, there was currently an approximately 30 min waiting tim for vehicles departing Largs aboard the 'Loch Tarbert'. After the successful completion of the works, the 'Loch Shira' finally resumed its service departing from Largs at 4:15 p.m., allowing the traffic queues to be cleared in the aftermath.