Emergency towing vessel deployed following tanker breakdown

UPDATED

An emergency towing vessel has been sent to the location of a tanker which has broken down in the Pentland Firth.

Ievoli Black is making its way up the west coast of Scotland after the Cyprus-flagged Kaprifol suffered engine trouble this afternoon.

The Coastguard says the ship remains anchored as repairs continue on its engine.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “At approx. 2.45pm today (21st January), HM Coastguard received a report that a motor tanker vessel had suffered engine failure around two nautical miles north-east of Dunnet Head, Pentland Firth. The vessel was able to drop anchor and remains anchored, awaiting assistance from an Emergency Towing Vessel from Ullapool which is due to arrive in the early hours of Saturday morning (22nd January). Shetland Coastguard are continuing to monitor the vessel.”