DIVERS have been called in to assess the damage of the scandal-hit Glen Sannox after a crack was discovered in its hull.
The brand-new ferry finally set sail in January, seven years behind schedule and millions of pounds over budget.
Divers have been called in to assess the damage to the Glen Sannox[/caption]
The vessel was initially due to be in service in 2018, but costs for it and a second ferry, the Glen Rosa, soared from £97 million to over £400 million.
The MV Glen Sannox has been operating on the route between Troon in Ayrshire and Brodick on the Isle of Arran.
But all sailings have now been suspended after a crack was found on a “weld seam close to the waterline”.
The MV Alfred is running an additional service until Monday in its absence.
A shuttle service has also been put in place between Lochranza and Claonaig.
Ferry operator CalMac said it would provide an update on Sunday’s sailings once a dive team has completed a full inspection.
CalMac also refuted claims that the vessel struck the harbour or that water was leaking into the car deck, saying they were “categorically untrue”.
The company confirmed that a “very small amount of water” had entered the ship at the rear, near the steering gear.
In a statement, the ferry operator said: “We apologise for the disruption, and our port teams and customer engagement centre will be working hard to contact affected customers.”
The Ferguson Marine fiasco was last night branded a “never-ending nightmare”.
Scottish Conservative shadow transport secretary Sue Webber MSP said: “This news will come as a hammer blow for ferry passengers, who have been betrayed at every turn by this incompetent SNP government.
“After waiting nearly seven years for this massively overbudget vessel, island communities will be dismayed that it’s broken down within weeks of its launch.
“The SNP’s failure to provide a viable ferry network has left passengers stranded once again.
“SNP ministers cannot shirk responsibility for the crisis that they have shamefully created. They need to act now and get Glen Sannox back in service as soon as possible.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie MSP said: “From painted in windows to short cables and now a cracked hull, this has been a never-ending nightmare for this SNP commissioned ferry contract.
“Islanders, workers and taxpayers have had to suffer from this shambles.”
