Hirta Vessel Reviews and Specifications

An alarming incident occurred on June 28, 2013, involving an engineer who was rushed to the hospital after inhaling chlorine aboard the 'Hirta' while docked at Ocean Terminal in Leith. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene in the afternoon, sending ambulance crews, police, firefighters, and coastguard personnel to manage the situation. The engineer, in his mid-30s, was in the engine room mixing chemicals for sewage pipe cleaning when he was exposed to a harmful blend that included chlorine. Fire crews assisted him in safely exiting the vessel, subsequently transporting him to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for medical evaluation and treatment. In the aftermath, the ship's crew initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, specifically focusing on how a lid on a chemical drum was removed, leading to the chemical leak. Authorities established cordons around the area to facilitate a thorough investigation and clean-up operation, which saw emergency responders donning bio-hazard suits due to the nature of the materials involved. The response lasted around two hours, and by 5 p.m., control of the scene was officially handed over to the ship’s captain. The incident required a considerable emergency response, with a total of 24 firefighters, three pumping appliances, and three specialized vehicles being deployed, including one tailored for dealing with chemical spills. For further details, see the report with a photo here: http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/top-stories/man-hospitalised-after-chlorine-leak-on-leith-ship-1-2983065.

In a dramatic turn of events, a pod of approximately 60 whales, initially feared to be heading south from their location in the shallow waters of Loch Carnan, South Uist, has made a remarkable return to the very loch that posed a risk of mass stranding. Initially spotted in the Western Isles on Thursday, these majestic marine mammals had sparked concerns among marine conservationists and local authorities about the dangers they faced in shallow waters. Experts from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) initially reported the whales' movement towards deeper waters, but later observations confirmed that they retraced their path back into Loch Carnan. Tragically, amidst this return, reports surfaced suggesting that one whale may have died, as rescuers noted the sighting of a body floating in the water. In response to the situation, the Scottish Government has proactively mobilized the fisheries protection vessel, Hirta, to monitor the movements of the whales closely, ensuring their safety as they navigate the waters of Loch Carnan. The events unfolding in this picturesque locale continue to captivate both marine enthusiasts and conservationists alike as they hope for the safe well-being of these incredible creatures.