Kyle RNLI crew's first shout of 2023 following fire at Bakkafrost's Strome salmon farm in Loch Carron
A Wester Ross volunteer lifeboat crew had its first shout of 2023 when it was called to a barge fire.
The incident happened on Loch Carron yesterday lunchtime and involved a feed barge serving Bakkafrost's Strome salmon farm. There were no injuries.
But the incident has prompted renewed concerns among campaigners and locals against the fish farm.
The Kyle RNLI lifeboat was launched at 12.06pm on New Year's day following reports of a barge on fire in the Stromeferry area.
A post on the station's social media page stated: "The lifeboat made best speed towards the area and arrived at 12.25pm by which time the four persons on board had evacuated and safely made it to shore.
"The lifeboat was asked to stay on scene to monitor the situation and ensure there was no danger to shipping or pollution, before being stood down by the UK Coastguard at 1.15pm.
"The lifeboat then returned to Kyle and was refuelled and made ready for service."
The incident has prompted concerns among campaigners against salmon farming.
Fish farm to be installed in middle of Loch Carron despite fears
Don Staniford, of the campaign group, Scamon Scotland, has reported the incident to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Food Standards Scotland and Marine Scotland.
He said the incident had raised further concerns about the fish farm and the possibility of contamination from toxic waste including leaking diesel.
"Scamon Scotland has written to Food Standards Scotland and SEPA asking if there are any problems with food safety and environmental pollution," he said.
A Bakkafrost Scotland spokesperson confirmed a fire was reported on its feed barge on Loch Carron yesterday.
" The incident was brought quickly under control, and we are co-operating with relevant emergency services in the area," the spokesperson said.
"Bakkafrost Scotland is fully committed to ensuring public safety in relation to all of its operations, vessels and equipment."
