Reviews & Ratings for the Valentina

Eight crew members of the vessel 'Nicola,' who faced an unexpected five-month stay in Invergordon, have finally returned home. This group, consisting of seven Ukrainians and one Lithuanian, found themselves stranded after the ship encountered mechanical issues in the Pentland Firth while en route from Poland to Ireland carrying coal back in October 2014. After the ship suffered breakdowns, the crew remained on board as repairs were conducted at the Easter Ross port. Unfortunately, the situation took a turn for the worse when the ship's owner faced financial troubles, leading to the crew being left without pay and effectively 'abandoned' in Invergordon. As news of the crew's plight reached the community, local organizations sprang into action to offer support. The Seafarers' Centre at the Church of Scotland played a pivotal role, providing the men with a welcoming environment and companionship. Additionally, Rosskeen Church opened its doors, inviting the crew to their annual Christmas dinner at the Capstone Centre in Alness, designed for those who would otherwise be alone during the festive season. Drew Anderson, the port chaplain, shared insights about the care provided to the crew: "They were looked after at the Seafarers’ Centre, and the Capstone in Alness invited them over for meals from time to time. They used the internet to stay connected with their families back home." The local churches also assisted the crew in sending money to their dependents. Now, with cooperation from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the International Transport Federation, the crew has been successfully repatriated and is on their way back home. This situation highlights the importance of community support and collaboration in safeguarding the welfare of seafarers during challenging times.

On November 19, the vessel 'Nicola' departed from Scapa Flow, towed towards Invergordon where it is scheduled for repairs. The 'Nicola' experienced a breakdown in the Pentland Firth, near Strathy Point, on October 19 and was initially rescued by the Coastguard tug 'Herakles', which brought her to safety in Scapa Flow. After several weeks at anchor, the tugboats 'Harald' and 'Einar' from Orkney Towage facilitated the towing operation early in the morning of November 19. The 'Nicola' is expected to reach Invergordon by November 20 to undergo necessary repairs.

On October 19, 2014, at 10:25 PM, the cargo vessel 'Nicola' encountered engine failure approximately five miles off Dounreay in the Pentland Firth. The incident occurred near Strathy Point, where the vessel was carrying a crew of eight. In response to the emergency, the Shetland Coastguard deployed the tug 'Herakle' to assist. The 'Nicola' was successfully towed into the safety of Scapa Flow the following afternoon. After ensuring the vessel's safety, the tug 'Herakle' returned to its base in Kirkwall. For further details, including a photo of the operation, visit http://www.orcadian.co.uk/2014/10/cargo-vessel-aided-by-coastguard/