Cargo boat Priscilla successfully refloated

The operation was undertaken on Wednesday night – a week after the Priscilla ran aground as she made her way to the Cumbrian port of Silloth. She was carrying a cargo of fertiliser and had six crew aboard.

A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said: “At around 10.30pm on Wednesday the MV Priscilla was successfully refloated. Following an initial assessment it was agreed she was in safe condition to be towed to Scapa Flow.”

The vessel arrived safely. A further assessment, including an underwater dive inspection, is being carried out.

The spokeswoman added: “The dive team is inspecting the underneath of the boat and MCA surveyors are on board also. We’re just waiting for their feedback on the condition of the vessel and if damage has been sustained.

“No pollution has been reported so everything is on track.”

Tonnes of oil were removed from the ship ahead of the salvage operation. The Longhope lifeboat escorted the Priscilla and the tugs towing her to sheltered waters in Scapa Flow.

The six crew members, who remained on board throughout, were said to be safe and well.

As reported previously, Multraship/Ardent/Wagenborg managed to remove 28 tonnes of marine gas oil from the vessel. Around 15 tonnes were left on board for essential services.

Four tonnes of “solidified” heavy fuel oil and two tonnes of lubricating oil were also retained on the vessel.

Since Monday more than 270 tonnes of cargo was successfully discharged from the vessel onto a reception barge. The barge took the cargo to Windwick Bay in Orkney where it was loaded onto the Priscilla’s sister ship Alana Evita.

A second barge continued to load cargo until 1350 tonnes had been removed to lighten the vessel. A tug was connected to the stern of the Priscilla once 500 tonnes had been discharged.

A temporary exclusion zone remained at 1000 metres while the operation was ongoing.