ferry firm has mentioned all passengers are protected after considered one of its vessels ran aground on Orkney.

Pentland Ferries mentioned the MV Pentalia turned grounded on the village of St Margaret’s Hope.

Smoke was detected within the engine room earlier than the incident. An RNLI lifeboat is known to have been despatched to the scene at round 8.30pm.

The RMT union described it as a “major incident” and mentioned the vessel was taking up water.

The Pentalia returned to service earlier this week to permit one other ferry, MV Alfred, to service CalMac routes on the west coast.

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An announcement from Pentland Ferries mentioned: “The MV Pentalina is grounded in St Margaret’s Hope. The vessel has 56 adults, three children and an infant on board. All are safe.

“The emergency services are in attendance. Smoke was detected in the engine room, before the vessel grounded.

“The safety of our passengers is, of course, our first priority.”

An RMT spokesman mentioned: “We are aware of a major incident onboard the MV Pentalina which has run aground, taking on water with a fire in the engine room.

“RNLI lifeboats have been dispatched and all of the ferry’s passengers and crew are reported to be safe.

“A thorough investigation will be needed to establish how this major incident aboard the Pentland Ferries vessel occurred.”

Transport Minister Kevin Stewart tweeted that he was “sorry” to listen to of the incident, however that “all on board are safe and well and that emergency services are in attendance”.

MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston tweeted in regards to the Pentalia incident, saying: “This is the boat which has been brought back into service to allow CalMac to charter the MV Alfred on the west coast routes.

“Hoping crew and passengers are OK, and everyone is able to get off safely.”