Fifteen passengers and crew have been rescued from a ferry after it ran aground off the remote Outer Hebrides island of St Kilda.

The Electron ran into difficulties in severe weather and grounded on the east coast of the island.

All those on board were airlifted to safety by helicopter. No-one was injured in the drama.

Diesel and Oil Aboard

The ship does not appear damaged but it is known to be carrying 45,000 tonnes of red diesel and nearly 80,000 litres of lubricating oil.

The area is home to large colonies of puffins and gannets.

Martin Collins of the Stornoway Coastguard said:Our counter-pollution branch has been informed and we are also in contact with Scottish Heritage who own the island about our next move. http://www.sky.com/news/uk/story18.htm

-- Doris (reaper@pacifier.com), October 15, 2000