A workboat operated by Ferguson Transport & Shipping, was left stranded ashore in high winds on Wednesday.
The vessel, named ‘Leslie Anne,’ became stuck on the sand at Kames Bay after being deliberately beached to load heavy machinery.
The situation escalated as the weather deteriorated, with strong southerly winds turning the vessel broadside to the waves, ultimately causing it to strand as the tide turned in mid-afternoon. The Coastguard and RNLI were alerted at around 12.45 pm, prompting a swift response.
The Leslie Anne is a UK-flagged vessel, built in 1987. It measures 33.29 meters in overall length, with a breadth of 8.3 meters and a draft of 1.5 meters, with a total cargo capacity of 100 tons. The vessel features a 17.5m x 6.8m open deck space, a 5m-wide bow ramp, and two cranes: an Epilson S260L with a 13m reach and a Guerra M230.20A3 with a 10m reach. Powered by two Volvo D9 MH engines (522 kW total), it can reach speeds of 9 knots when fully loaded, and can accommodate up to 6 persons with a minimum crew of 3.
The Cumbrae coastguard rescue team, along with Troon’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat, was dispatched to the scene. Fortunately, all crew members were accounted for, and there were no reports of injuries.
A Coastguard spokesperson provided further details, stating, “The vessel slipped its anchor in worsening conditions and was driven onto the beach. We monitored the situation from shore to ensure the crew’s safety.”
With no immediate threat to life, it was decided that the vessel’s owners would arrange for its refloating at a later time. The Coastguard has urged the public to steer clear of the stranded vessel while it remains on the beach.
SalmonBusiness has contacted Ferguson Transport & Shipping for comment.
