Viking Victor, a 44-metre-long stand by vessel, sank in the Moray Firth while under tow on Saturday 18 September. Her crew had been safely evacuated after failing to extinguish a fire.

Aberdeen Coastguard had already requested an RAF helicopter from Lossiemouth to airlift the 12 crew to safety when the vessel came under tow (pictured).

Viking Victor was being taken to Invergordon at the request of her owners, but it soon became apparent that she was taking on water and her stern was sinking. She was towed away from any pipelines and ecologically sensitive areas, and sank in 86 metres, 10.5 miles north of Buckie.

Aircraft flying over the site of the wreck reported that there is no sign of oil or pollution at the surface. Two inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Board have opened a preliminary investigation into the sinking. The Hydrographics Office have been informed of the position of the wreck.

The Moray Firth is home to a number of prime wreck and reef dive sites, including the Verona and San Tiburcio, as well as offering many unexplored wreck sites in 55m+.


Relevant links
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
The wild east - diving Moray Firth
Moray Diving Services

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