The new CalMac ferry, MV Isle of Islay, played a crucial role in a maritime rescue while en route to Scotland. During its delivery from a Turkish shipyard, the vessel encountered adverse weather that forced it to anchor in Gibraltar and navigate through Moroccan waters. While in these challenging conditions, the crew spotted a man in the sea and promptly initiated recovery procedures, deploying a fast rescue craft to bring him aboard. After receiving care from the ferry’s staff for several days, the man was handed over to Moroccan authorities.
According to CalMac’s fleet management director, the crew demonstrated professionalism and efficiency in executing the rescue operation, despite the ferry being newly delivered. The MV Isle of Islay is the first of four vessels being constructed in Turkey and has faced difficult weather conditions during its northbound journey. Reports indicated sustained winds exceeding 30 knots and gusts over 50 knots, prompting the ferry to anchor off Morocco before heading to Almería for shelter.
The director noted that delivering the vessel in winter increases exposure to harsh sea and weather conditions, exacerbated by storms affecting the Iberian Peninsula. The crew is actively working to advance the ferry’s passage to Scotland, with arrival details to be confirmed later. Once operational, the ferry will accommodate 450 passengers and transport 100 cars or 14 heavy goods vehicles, serving routes to Islay and Jura.
