On October 22, a cargo shift occurred aboard the passenger ferry Hamnavoe while it was sailing from Stromness to Scrabster (UK). The incident resulted in damage to five vehicles, including two vans and three passenger cars.
Fortunately, no passengers or crew members were injured. Despite developing a list to starboard, the vessel continued its voyage under its own power and safely arrived in Scrabster, where passengers and undamaged vehicles were disembarked without further issues.
According to the ship’s operator, no structural damage to the vessel was reported. Following the incident, the crew carried out a comprehensive inspection of the ship, and the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) initiated a preliminary investigation to assess the circumstances. It has not yet been confirmed whether a full investigation will follow.
There were no reports of fuel leaks or environmental pollution, and the vessel returned to operational service later the same day.
The Hamnavoe is a roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) passenger ferry built in 2002 and sailing under the UK flag. The ship measures 112 meters in length, 18.5 meters in beam, and has a gross tonnage of 8,780 tons. It serves one of the key routes connecting the Orkney Islands with mainland Scotland.
