CalMac confirms MV Loch Seaforth now out of action until at least May 17; MV Isle of Lewis continues on the Ullapool-Stornoway route until then
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THE return of Ullapool's usual CalMac ferry has been delayed by at least another fortnight.
CalMac's MV Loch Seaforth has been out of action since mid April after it suffered an engine failure.
Since then the MV Isle of Lewis has returned to fill in on its former Ullapool-Stornoway route, with the MV Isle of Arran operating on the night-time freight service.
It had been hoped that the Loch Seaforth would return to service by May 4, but CalMac has now confirmed that it will likely be out of action until at least May 17.
A revised timetable is in effect until its return.
"Due to a major failure of the port engine with MV Loch Seaforth, the vessel requires substantial repairs and has been removed from service and is now in dock at Greenock," said a CalMac spokesman.
"Specialist engineers working on the MV Loch Seaforth have advised that they expect her to back in service by May 17 at the earliest. This date is subject to change and we will continue to keep our customers updated throughout.
"A team is currently carrying out repairs to the engines on the vessel, which services the Ullapool-Stornoway route, at the James Watt dock in Greenock.
"Reservations for some routes will be temporarily unavailable for the period May 5 to May 17 whilst our systems are being updated and bookings are being rescheduled for those customers affected by the change of service.
"Out with this time period, where possible, we encourage our customers to make reservations at calmac.co.uk.
"We’ll keep customers updated throughout. If you’ve not already done so, download our app or follow our Twitter @CalMacUpdates so we can provide you with timely updates, with the latest information we have available. Alternatively, you can also sign up to our service status text updates."
Related news: Ferry's return delay 'until at least May 4'
