German Cargo Ship Runs Aground Near Scotland's Isle of Skye

A German-flagged cargo vessel, the Gotland, ran aground on October 7 while navigating a narrow strait that separates the Isle of Skye from the Scottish mainland at Glenelg, near the Highlands.

HM Coastguard received an alert at 1:15 AM, and lifeboats from both Kyle and Portree lifeboat stations were dispatched. The Spirit of Fred Olsen, a lifeboat from Kyle, arrived at the scene by 1:30 AM. The crew boarded the Gotland to assess any potential damage and check for injuries among the crew.

Once the Portree lifeboat, Stanley Watson Barker, reached the site, the Spirit of Fred Olsen returned to its station. The Portree lifeboat remained on standby, awaiting high tide to assist in refloating the stranded ship. Shortly thereafter, an emergency towing vessel arrived, and the Gotland was successfully refloated. The cargo ship has since anchored safely at Glenelg Bay.

The Kylerhea Narrows, a strait connecting the Isle of Skye and Glenelg on the mainland, is infamous for its strong currents and narrow passage, which often leads to vessels running aground in the area.