Spinningdale

The steel motor trawler Spinningdale was launched from the yard of John Lewis and Sons Ltd., Aberdeen (Yard No 355) on 29th February 1968. She measured 177.6′ x 20.5′ x 10.75′ and her tonnage was 103 gross tons, 35 net tons. She was powered by a 6 cylinder 4SA diesel engine by Lister Blackstone Ltd delivering 495 brake horse power. Ordered by Bruce’s Stores Ltd, Aberdeen she was registered in this port A473. In 1985 she was acquired by Seaward Fishing Services of Aberdeen. In 1990 she was purchased by Burlot Ltd of Milford haven and registered in Fleetwood FD29. At some point in the 1980s the trawler had been converted to a long line fishing vessel and was managed for the owners by Penfro Freche Ltd, also of Milford Haven, who latterly employed a Spanish crew to operate the vessel.

On 1st February 2008 Spinningdale was operating off the west coast of the Outer Hebrides with her crew of fourteen Spanish fishermen aboard when a severe storm developed. Spinningdale’s skipper made for the rocky islands of St Kilda to shelter from the terrible weather. As they reached the safety of Village Bay disaster struck. The vessel’s main engine failed and Spinningdale drifted out of control onto the rocks on the north side of the bay close to the island’s jetty. Her distress calls were picked up by the coastguards and a lifeboat and helicopter sped to the scene. The helicopter’s initial rescue attempt had to be abandoned due to the horrendous weather conditions but thankfully, as the weather abated, a further attempt was successful and all fourteen crewmen were winched off safely. Four of the men were treated for hypothermia and one suffered a broken finger but otherwise they were safe and well.

As the storm passed and the weather abated concerns were immediately raised about the effect the wreck might have on the World Heritage site at Village Bay and the important seabird colonies and other unique wildlife on the islands. The Spinningdale had eight tons of fuel oil aboard which could have caused an environmental disaster if it leaked into the surrounding sea. The salvage company Mammoet Salvage was appointed to remove the fuel oil then to dismantle the wreck which they thankfully succeeded in doing with no impact to the precious environment of the islands.