Skog Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In the early hours of December 3, the cargo vessel 'Skog' has successfully completed its repairs and set sail from Hatston Pier in Orkney. The ship, known for transporting paper, departed just after midnight, heading towards Clydeport. The timely repairs ensured that 'Skog' could resume its journey without delay. For more details, visit the full report with accompanying photo at http://www.orcadian.co.uk/2015/12/rescued-ship-leaves-orkney/

In the early hours of November 25, 2023, a significant rescue operation unfolded for the cargo vessel 'Skog', which was taking on water as it drifted approximately four miles north of Papa Westray. The situation escalated as the ship was reported to be flooding at a distressing rate of 500 liters per hour into its engine room. The Stromness lifeboat station received an emergency call at 3:30 a.m. and set sail to assist the stricken vessel, identified as being around 10 miles northwest of Westray. Navigating through the challenging Hoy Sound, the lifeboat crew made headway at 14 knots despite enduring a rough sea with a 5-meter swell and winds hitting force five, gusting to six. Upon their arrival at 6 a.m., conditions for the 'Skog' were dire, as it lay broadside to heavy waves, drifting northeast at a rate of 3 knots due to engine failure sparked by a cooling water issue. The vessel was operating on emergency power but lacked propulsion. At 5:30 a.m., the rescue vessel 'Herakles' departed Kirkwall, providing additional support. By 7:16 a.m., the crew of 'Skog' called for a helicopter to deliver an emergency pump, leading the Coastguard to elevate the incident status to Mayday. Subsequently, a Coastguard helicopter departed from Sumburgh at 7:45 a.m. with a salvage pump onboard, reaching 'Skog' by 8:30 a.m. Not long after, the oil rig support vessel 'Vos Hera' arrived to stand by for assistance. At 9:20 a.m., the 'Herakles' reached the scene, and shortly thereafter, the helicopter was requested to transport a 150kg salvage pump from the 'Herakles' to 'Skog'. By 10:15 a.m., the Kirkwall lifeboat was enlisted to take over the rescue efforts from the Stromness lifeboat. The day progressed with coordinated efforts to stabilize the vessel, including a pump transfer via helicopter and the initiation of a tow from 'Herakles' at 10:50 a.m. The Kirkwall lifeboat arrived shortly after with two additional salvage pumps on board. By 11:45 a.m., the Coastguard provided instructions for 'Herakles' to proceed east-about towards Kirkwall. The Stromness lifeboat crew, having completed their mission, headed back home through rough waters, finally returning around 2:30 p.m. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of all involved, the 'Skog' was safely moored at the Hatston Industrial Estate jetty in Kirkwall at approximately 3 a.m. on November 25, assisted by two Orkney Towage tugs and the pilot boat Kirkwall Bay. For more details, follow these reports and footage from the rescue operation: [Orcadian Report](http://www.orcadian.co.uk/2015/11/stricken-cargo-ship-alongside-hatston-pier/), [BBC News](http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-34910679), [RNLI Coverage](http://rnli.org/NewsCentre/Pages/Stromness-lifeboat-crew-assist-disabled-100m-cargo-ship.aspx).

The cargo ship Skog, registered under the Barbados flag and owned by Norway's Lorentzens Skibs, is currently being towed to safety after encountering engine trouble off the Orkney Islands. Early today at 03:10 hrs, the vessel sent out a distress signal to Shetland Coastguard indicating it had lost power and was taking on water. In response, the Shetland Coastguard deployed its rescue helicopter, which successfully delivered vital pumps to help address the water ingress. Assistance came from the RNLI all-weather lifeboats stationed at Stromness and Kirkwall, which arrived promptly at the scene. The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency's emergency towing vessel, ETV Herakles, is now engaged in towing the distressed Skog, while the standby vessel Vos Hera follows closely. The destination for the Skog's tow is yet to be determined. All ten crew members aboard the 99-metre-long Skog are reported safe and unharmed, remaining on board as the ship, which is transporting a cargo of paper, is secured. According to AIS data, the Skog had previously docked at Clydeport in Scotland on Monday and was located approximately 6.5 nautical miles east-north-east of Papa Westray, Orkney. The prevailing sea conditions in the area are described as moderate to rough, posing additional challenges during the rescue operation.