A Belgian-flagged bulk carrier remains at anchor in the lee of the Isle of Arran, having been there for more than a week.
Mineral Kyoto is a 289 metre by 45 metre beam bulk carrier with a draught of 11 metres and a deadweight tonnage of 180,310.
Local fishermen have pointed out the contradiction taking place as the ship in anchored within the limits of the South Arran Marine Protected Area, and have asked what effects the anchor and chain needed for a ship of this size are having on the seabed.
The area has been closed to the local inshore nephrops trawlers by Marine Scotland as it was deemed necessary to protect the environment from damage caused by fishing vessels, with a potential £50,000 fine for straying into the MPA. But it seems a ship swinging on a few hundred tonnes of chain and anchor is acceptable.
