A multi-agency emergency response team successfully rescued 17 crew members on Thursday morning after their Spanish-owned, UK-flagged fishing vessel ran aground off the west coast of Hoy in Orkney. No injuries were reported during the complex offshore operation.
The 30-meter longliner Genesis was transporting 28 tonnes of fish toward Scrabster when it struck rocks near the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack. Emergency services launched an immediate rescue effort after receiving a distress mayday call at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1.
Coordinated Multi-Agency Rescue Response
Following the initial mayday transmission, HM Coastguard mobilized extensive resources to the remote Scottish location. Rescue teams deployed included HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopters from Sumburgh and Stornoway, alongside the RNLI lifeboat from Stromness.
Ground support was provided by the Kirkwall and St Margaret’s Hope Coastguard Rescue Teams. Additionally, two local vessels responded to the emergency broadcast, while a maritime patrol aircraft from the Royal Air Force assisted in monitoring the unfolding situation from above.
Captain Alejandro Abuin Prado later shared the terrifying moments following the impact, expressing acute fear that the vessel might capsize immediately after striking the rocks.
Crew Transported Safely to Kirkwall
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson detailed the evacuation process: “All 17 people were airlifted to safety by the helicopter from Stornoway and taken to Kirkwall.”
Upon arrival at Kirkwall Airport, the uninjured crew members were met by representatives from Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service before being transferred to a local hotel for temporary accommodation.
Environmental and Salvage Measures
Authorities have taken proactive steps to monitor environmental risks surrounding the grounded longliner. An HM Coastguard Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) was promptly dispatched to the scene.
The HM Coastguard Counter Pollution team and other relevant regulatory authorities were immediately informed to assess potential hazards. Investigations into the exact cause of the grounding remain ongoing as maritime officials evaluate salvage operations for the stricken vessel.
