Update: Radioactive Waste Ship Towed to Safety

The Denmark-registered Parida, laden with radioactive concrete waste, which had lost power and was adrift south east of Wick, Scotland, is currently anchored close to the entrance of the Cromarty Firth, The Inverness Courier reports.

Parida was towed to the Cromarty Firth by the Pacific Champion.

Strong currents were carrying the drifting vessel towards the Beatrice Alpha oil platform, leading to the helicopter evacuation of 52 people working on the platform at the time as a precautionary measure.

The loss of power was caused by the fire that broke out in one of the vessel’s funnels while it was carrying the radioactive cargo from Scrabster to Antwerp.

The fire had been put down, and no injuries have been reported so far.

Bob Buskie, chief executive for the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “The cargo vessel Parida will be anchored safely within the Port limits, outwith the North and South Sutors of the Cromarty Firth, whilst it undertakes necessary repairs.

The Port of Cromarty Firth is working closely with the Maritime Coastguard Agency throughout the process.”