The MV Pentalina grounded in St Margaret’s Hope last night, 29th of April after smoke was detected in her engine room.

On board at the time were 56 adults, 3 children and an infant who were safe.

Emergency services attended as did the RNLI lifeboats from Stromness and Longhope.

Pentland Ferries issued this statement following the evacuation of the passengers.

“All passengers that were onboard MV Pentalina tonight are safe and are either at home or at their accommodation. Our customer services team are contacting all customers that are due to travel. Further updates will follow.” – Pentland Ferries

Orkney’s Local Emergency Coordination Group (OLEG) released the following statement from their Vice Chair Hayley Green last night.

“OLECG met this evening at 22.45 to review and update on the situation with the Pentalina.

It was noted that that all passengers are accounted for and safe, and in accommodation. The situation, including the impact on ferry provision across the Pentland Firth, will be reviewed over the coming days

OLECG noted the excellent response from all agencies to the incident, including the local community and volunteer lifeboat crews.”