10 rescued from stricken boat after engine failure

TEN people were rescued by lifeboat in the early hours of this morning after their vessel’s engine failed.

Run by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), the 50-ft Silurian, broke down off Gairloch in Wester Ross, shortly before 2am.

The Portree lifeboat was launched from Skye and towed the stricke vessel to Kyle, arriving at 9.30am.

A lack of wind meant the Silurian was unable to use its sails.

The vessel has made an appearance in the Blue Planet television series and has been owned by the HWDT for the past 11 years.

From April to October it is used for monitoring the waters off Scotland’s west coast and is also used as a “floating classroom” for schools based in the Hebrides.