Supply boat crew freed from rocks

Stornoway Coastguard helicopter was scrambled

A boat which ran aground on rocks off the Summer Isles is being towed to nearby Ullapool.

The Harvest Caroline - a fish farm supply vessel - dragged its anchors after suffering engine failure.

The coastguard said the skipper's wife was evacuated safely from the boat. Five crew remain aboard.

High winds have also had an impact on ferry sailings. Tarbert/Portavadie, Mallaig to Rum and Canna and also Tayinloan/Gigha are cancelled.

Stornoway Coastguard were alerted to the plight of the Harvest Caroline at about 0600 GMT on Tuesday.

Its helicopter was scrambled and RNLI all-weather lifeboat was also requested to launch.

Danish warship

A Danish warship taking part in a military exercise just outside Stornoway also responded to the Harvest Caroline's pan pan, or urgency signal.

The vessel is carrying 60 tonnes of fish feed.

Ed Thompson, Stornoway Coastguard watch manager, said of the initial stages of the rescue: "The master's wife has now been evacuated from the vessel to Ullapool.

"The Achiltibuie Coastguard Rescue Team are also in attendance and are observing the vessel from the shore which is sitting directly onto the shore.

"The remaining five crew intend to stay on board and assist in trying to re-float her in due course, with the master considering transferring fuel internally in order to lessen any leak whilst maintaining his stability."