The MV Scillonian III in Penzance

From BBC Cornwall yesterday:

A ferry from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly has suffered a mechanical fault, extending transit time. The Isles of Scilly Travel said the Scillonian III, which runs from Penzance to St Mary’s, suffered the fault on Saturday.

It said the ferry was running with reduced engine power meaning the journey, which usually takes about two hours and 45 minutes, will take about four hours.

This is the only service to the Scilly Isles, population 2 153, 36 miles, normally 2 hours 45 minutes in the 47 year-old MV Scillonian III.

The CalMac Ullapool to Stornoway (Western Isles) services take exactly the same time to cover 76 miles (twice the distance) in the only 10 years-old MV Loch Seaforth II.