Six passengers sue Pentland Ferries after passenger vessel MV Alfred grounded off Orkney

Six passengers are suing a ferry operator after claiming they suffered injuries when their vessel ran aground near Orkney.

The MV Alfred crashed into the uninhabited island of Swona, in the Pentland Firth, during a crossing between the mainland and South Ronaldsay on July 5.

More than 80 passengers and 13 crew members were evacuated from the vessel, operated by Pentland Ferries, with one man taken to hospital.

Now, amid an investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), lawyers have confirmed that legal action is under way.

Digby Brown solicitors, representing the six passengers, said that while proceedings were at an “early stage”, the firm would “support and advise anyone affected by this significant collision”.

Mark Gibson, partner and head of the foreign and travel department at Digby Brown, said passengers had suffered injuries including “fractures, sprains and soft tissue damage”.

He said: “Any mode of travelling has its risks, but there are clear procedures designed to keep people safe, whether they be adverse conditions, mechanical issues or human error.

“For the passengers on board, this must have been a shocking ordeal with the injuries and overall chaos impacting each person in a different way.”

Pentland Ferries has been approached for comment.