Towing of Lysblink Seaways Begins

zoom The towing operation of the cargo vessel Lysblink Seaways to Inchgreen, Greenock on the Firth of Clyde has kicked off. Lysblink Seaways ran aground north of the Isle of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland, on February 18th. “The tow will, where possible, take advantage of sheltered waters and will move through the Sound of Mull, Firth of Lorn, Sound of Jura and the North Channel before entering the Firth of Clyde,” comments Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State’s representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention. The 150 mile-towing operation is being carried out by Luca and Afon Menai tugs. The Forth Jouster will provide support for the operation, the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency said. The Coastguard vessel MCA Hunter will provide safety cover between Scallastle Bay and the Firth of Lorn. Svitzer Salvage will have a team and salvage equipment, on board the ‘Lysblink Seaways’ for the duration of the tow. The current temporary exclusion zone in Scallastle Bay will be cancelled but another will be put into place until she enters the Sound of Jura, the coastguard added.