THE crew aboard MV Caledonian Isles were forced to spend a stormy night on the vessel after an attempt to berth at Greenock had to be aborted.
CalMac announced yesterday (Tuesday, September 29) that the ageing ferry would have to head to the Inverclyde port overnight due to high winds.
The conditions meant berthing at Troon or Brodick had been ruled out.
However, the Caley Isles was unable to safely berth – meaning it returned to the seas off Arran seeking shelter.
CalMac said last night: "Due to the current wind strength and direction combined with the restricted manoeuvring space within the allocated berth, MV Caledonian Isles was unable to berth safely at Greenock Ocean Terminal as planned and was required to abort the berthing attempt.
"With no alternative berths available, the vessel will remain at sea overnight, seeking shelter off the north west coast of Arran."
The company added: "The vessel will aim to berth at Brodick as soon as conditions allow tomorrow morning.
"However, due to the impact on crew hours of rest, there will be disruption to tomorrow's scheduled service to ensure the crew received the required compulsory rest."
In an update today (Wednesday, September 30), CalMac said that, subject to successful berthing in Troon, MV Caledonian Isles would operate the 11.30am sailing to Brodick.
However, with the crew requiring rest and a forecast of strong southerly winds, some sailings remain liable to disruption or cancellation.
They include the departures from Brodick at 1.20pm and 7pm, as well as the sailing from Troon at 4pm.
Meanwhile, the second vessel currently sailing between Troon and Brodick, MV Alfred, was due to operate the 9.20am departure from Troon as scheduled - with remaining sailings liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice due to the strong wind forecast.
