Name MV Loch Scavaig Route Gourock to Dunoon Length 48 m | Owner The Underwater Centre Yard number 1002 Draft 2.7 m | |
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Operator Western Ferries (1996 - 2013)
The Underwater Centre (2013-) Builder 1963 by Gutehoffnungshulte Sterkrade, Akflengesellschaft, Rheinwerft, Walsum, Germany | ||
Loch Scavaig ex Sound of Sanda was a car and passenger ferry, operated until October 2013 by Western Ferries across the River Clyde between Gourock and Dunoon. She is currently laid up in Fort William awaiting conversion to a dive support vessel. Her sister Loch Sunart ex Sound of Scalpay built in 1961 has already been converted into a ROV support vessel. Loch Scavaig has recently taken part in some subsea trials.
Contents
History
Sound of Sanda was built in Germany in 1963, for Amsterdam City Council. In the mid 1990s, she and her near sister MV Sound of Scalpay were purchased by Western Ferries and overhauled at Greenock before entering service as Sound of Scalpay and a second Sound of Sanda. The earlier Sound of Sanda, as MV Lymington, had previously been an Isle of Wight ferry. Sound of Sanda entered service with Western Ferries in 1996.
On the acquisition of two brand new ferries in October 2013, Sanda along with her sister ship Sound of Scalpay were disposed of by Western Ferries. Both vessels were sold to The Underwater Centre, Fort William, Scotland and will be converted to dive barges for the training of commercial divers.
Layout
Sound of Sanda had a single car deck with bow and stern ramps. The crossing was so short that many passengers stayed in their vehicles, but side viewing decks and passenger cabins were available.
Service
Sound of Sanda operated Western Ferries' Clyde service between McInroy’s Point (Gourock) and Hunters Quay (Dunoon).