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| Sisters together as viewed from the tug Point
Gilbert. European Causeway loads at the conventional
ferry berth for an early morning sailing to Larne on 9/1/05, while her
sister lies aground only metres from her final destination. Photo:
Tommy Bryceland (click to enlarge) |
European Causeway at her Cairnryan berth
loading for Larne. During the spell that the Highlander was
aground European Causeway worked hard to keep traffic moving
sailing a shuttle service from Larne. Photo: Tommy Bryceland (click
to enlarge) |
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| European Highlander sitting on the shingle
beach just to the south of the berth. Considering the conditions the
crew did a great job not to hit the berth. Once she had went ashore
sea water ballast was taken on to prevent her moving around on the beach
and causing damage to her bottom. Photo: Tommy Bryceland (click to
enlarge) |
Point Gilbert hooks her tow
line on to the forward mooring deck of European Highlander in
preparation for the tow off at high water. Flying Phantom out
of shot to the right hooks up to the stern of the vessel. Photo:
Tommy Bryceland (click to enlarge) |
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| Point Gilbert takes up the
strain and begins to pull the European Highlander from the beach.
Photo: Tommy Bryceland (click to enlarge) |
After a sustained period of pulling by both
Point Gilbert and Flying Phantom the European Highlander
begins to move for deep water. Photo: Tommy Bryceland (click to
enlarge) |
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| During the towing operation seawater ballast was
quickly pumped overboard from the European Highlander to aid the
tugs in their efforts. Eight lorries onboard were also moved about
to add to the trim of the vessel. After breaking free the ship was
towed stern first into deeper water and Flying Phantom is seen here
taking the European Highlander away from the shore. Photo:
Tommy Bryceland (click to enlarge) |
Point Gilbert seen running
alongside the European Highlander to help Flying Phantom tow
her to deeper water. Photo: Tommy Bryceland (click to enlarge) |
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| European Highlander well afloat
now is towed to her berth. Photo: Tommy Bryceland (click to enlarge) |
Coming alongside her berth after 30 hours marooned
on the beach. Photo: Tommy Bryceland (click to enlarge) |
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| Almost all fast the two tugs prepare to let their
tow ropes go and stand down after a good job done. From beginning to
end the job lasted about 30 minutes and at 1100 European Highlander's
passengers were driving off the ramp to freedom. Photo: Tommy
Bryceland (click to enlarge) |
Tied up at Cairnryan after discharging
her passengers the vessel's crew came in for particular praise for how
well they handled a difficult time. Photo: Tommy Bryceland (click to
enlarge) |
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| European Highlander alongside at the
conventional ferry berth at Cairnryan with Point Gilbert and
Flying Phantom alongside the Superstar Express berth.
Photo: Allan Doyle (click to enlarge) |
A closer view of Point Gilbert
with European Highlander at Cairnryan. Photo: Allan Doyle
(click to enlarge) |
