Working Conditions Aboard the Dagalien

In a dramatic rescue operation on January 18, 2025, the ferry 'Dagalian' sprang into action to assist two fishermen whose scalloper, the 10-meter 'Craignair', had grounded in Yell Sound, located near the isle of Samphrey. The situation unfolded around 10 p.m. when the 'Craignair' began to take on water, prompting the concerned crew to call for help. The Lerwick Lifeboat was dispatched to the scene shortly thereafter. With the safety of the fishermen as a top priority, the 'Dagalian' adjusted its course and launched its rescue boat, successfully evacuating both crew members from the distressed scalloper. Thankfully, neither fisherman required medical attention and they were swiftly transported to the Toft ferry terminal. At approximately 10:30 p.m., the Lerwick Lifeboat arrived, reaching the site around 11:40 p.m. Local support came from the salmon workboat 'Charlie Knight', which also joined the efforts. After conducting an assessment of the area, the lifeboat crew determined that with the 'Craignair' firmly lodged on the rocks and the crew safely rescued, there was little more that could be done at that time. As the clock struck midnight, the lifeboat was officially released from the scene and made its way back to Lerwick, arriving at 1:30 a.m. on January 19 for refueling and preparations for its next potential call to action. This incident serves as a reminder of the collaborative spirit within the maritime community, always ready to lend a hand in times of need.

The Yell Sound ferry service has been notably impacted by Covid isolation requirements, particularly on April 21 and 22, 2022. During this period, the ferry 'Dagalien' will adhere to a revised timetable, and unfortunately, all bookings have been suspended. Riders should note that on April 23, the last ferry will depart from Toft at 8:15 PM, while the following day, April 24, the service will resume at 7:05 AM from Ulsta, concluding the day's operations with a final departure from Toft at 8:15 PM. The Shetland Islands Council has expressed regret for any inconveniences caused by these changes. For further updates and information, passengers can contact the voicebank service at 01595 743972. It's worth mentioning that prior disruptions were reported last month due to problems with a linkspan and equipment malfunction on the 'Dagalien', exacerbating the current situation on this vital route.

In a recent development, the ferry 'Dagalien' is experiencing setbacks as it returns to Shetland following its refit. The vessel has encountered engine cooling complications that have led to significant delays. Engineers have been diligently working to diagnose and resolve these issues since 2019. This situation arose shortly after the 'Fivla' was taken out of service on Yell Sound due to an unrelated malfunction, which temporarily limited services to a single vessel at the end of May. On June 9, 2019, the 'Dagalien' departed from Aberdeen at 1:30 p.m., heading towards Yell Sound with a scheduled stop in Lerwick on June 10.