Seventeen rescued after Genesis fishing boat runs aground off Hoy, Orkney
A multi‑agency operation rescued the entire crew of the Spanish‑owned Genesis after it struck rocks near the Old Man of Hoy early on 1 October.
Genesis fishing boat runs aground off Hoy
A Mayday call was logged just after 06:30 GMT on 1 October when the Spanish‑owned, UK‑flagged trawler Genesis struck rocks off the western shore of Hoy, near the iconic sea stack known as the Old Man of Hoy. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the vessel was in immediate need of assistance.
Rescue teams mobilise
HM Coastguard dispatched two rescue helicopters – one from Sumburgh and another from Stornoway – alongside the RNLI lifeboat stationed at Stromness. Local coastguard rescue teams from Kirkwall and St Margaret’s Hope also joined the effort. A maritime patrol aircraft from the Royal Air Force circled the scene, while the Northlink ferry Hamnavoe, passing nearby, launched its fast‑rescue boat.
All 17 crew airlifted to safety
The Stornoway helicopter winched the fishermen aboard two at a time and transferred them to shore. Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service met the rescued crew at Kirkwall Airport. No injuries were reported.
What follows for the stranded vessel
The Genesis remains aground on the rocks. An HM Coastguard emergency towing vessel, identified as Ievoli Black, has been sent to the site, and a counter‑pollution team is on standby to address any potential spillage.
Context and reactions
The Genesis has been a controversial vessel in Scottish waters, previously linked to a 2021 incident where it collided with the Shetland trawler Mizpah. Despite the drama, the coordinated response demonstrates the robustness of the UK maritime rescue framework.
Key numbers at a glance
- Crew rescued: 17
- Time of grounding: ~06:30 GMT, 1 Oct
- Location: West coast of Hoy, near Old Man of Hoy, Orkney Islands
- Rescue assets: RNLI Stromness lifeboat, Coastguard helicopters (Sumburgh & Stornoway), RAF patrol aircraft, Northlink ferry Hamnavoe, local rescue teams, emergency towing vessel Ievoli Black
- Destination for survivors: Kirkwall Airport
The operation is now winding down, with authorities monitoring the vessel for any environmental impact and preparing for a possible salvage operation.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Crew rescued | 17 | Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson |
| Vessel name | Genesis | HM Coastguard reports |
| Time of incident | 06:30 GMT, 1 October | Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson |
| Location | West coast of Hoy, near Old Man of Hoy, Orkney Islands | HM Coastguard reports |
| Rescue assets | RNLI Stromness lifeboat, Coastguard helicopters from Sumburgh and Stornoway, Northlink ferry Hamnavoe, RAF patrol aircraft, emergency towing vessel Ievoli Black | HM Coastguard statements |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Genesis | Spanish‑owned, UK‑flagged fishing vessel that ran aground |
| Old Man of Hoy | Landmark near which the vessel grounded |
| Ievoli Black | Emergency towing vessel dispatched to the scene |
| RNLI Stromness Lifeboat | Assisted on‑scene rescue |
| HM Coastguard | Coordinated the rescue and dispatched helicopters and towing vessel |
