Dramatic Rescue by ‘Isle of Islay’ Off Morocco
The ferry ‘Isle of Islay’ conducted a remarkable rescue operation off the coast of Morocco last week. The vessel, owned by CalMac Ferries, encountered perilous weather conditions that necessitated its departure from Gibraltar. While traversing Moroccan waters, crew members spotted a man in distress in the turbulent sea. Acting swiftly, they deployed the ferry’s fast rescue craft, successfully retrieving the man within minutes. After ensuring his safety and providing care aboard the vessel for several days, the crew handed him over to local authorities in Morocco.
The rescue mission occurred during a period of severe weather, with wind speeds reaching over 30 knots and gusts exceeding 50 knots. The ‘Isle of Islay’ sheltered off Morocco‘s east coast before proceeding to Almeria port over the weekend. The ferry is expected to remain there until February 7, 2026, when weather conditions are anticipated to improve, allowing it to set sail for A Coruña.
CalMac Takes Ownership of ‘Isle of Islay’
On January 15, CalMac officially took ownership of ‘Isle of Islay’ in a handover ceremony at Cemre Shipyard in Yalova, Turkey, where the ferry was constructed. This vessel is the first of four ferries being built at the shipyard for service routes in Islay and Jura. Following the handover, the ‘Isle of Islay’ received approval from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), allowing it to prepare for its repositioning voyage back to Scotland, which is expected to take around two weeks.
On January 22, the ferry began its maiden voyage from the Cemre shipyard to Scotland, crewed by CalMac personnel. The journey includes planned stops at two to three European ports for refueling, contingent on fuel testing results. The ferry is set to dock in Gibraltar, with an estimated arrival date of January 31. This repositioning voyage also serves as an opportunity for the crew to familiarize themselves with the vessel before it officially enters service in Scotland.
Upon arrival, the ‘Isle of Islay’ will undergo local operational trials and crew familiarization in various ports and harbors before commencing regular services.
