CalMac ferry passengers were exposed to the risk of E.coli as they walked through leaking fish waste, as reported by the Daily Record. In 2020, concerns were raised by ferry officials about foul-smelling effluent seeping out of salmon farm lorries onto the decks of vessels, creating a health hazard for passengers and crew. Shocking images showed bloody water leaking from a lorry destined for supermarkets on board the MV Loch Seaforth ferry between Stornoway and Ullapool.
Newly released data obtained by CalMac under freedom of information revealed that the fluids contained levels of pathogens such as listeria, coliforms, e.coli, and enterococci deemed “unsatisfactory.” An official who worked on the vessel expressed concerns about the hazards of passengers wading through the waste without proper protection, highlighting the unacceptability of exposing travellers, including children, to such risks.
Anti-salmon farming campaigner Don Staniford played a pivotal role in making this information public after a two-year battle, prompting CalMac to switch to allowing only night ferries for this type of cargo and subsequently ceasing the transportation of salmon in a way that would result in effluent leakage. Concerns from CalMac staff, detailed in emails, date back nearly a decade, with the trade union RMT warning of potential blame if illnesses occurred due to contact with fish waste since 2016.
Tests in 2022 indicated that the effluent fluid carried biological pathogens that could cause illnesses like gastroenteritis and skin infections. The risk of passengers and crew being exposed to these pathogens daily was highlighted, with concerns raised about contaminated items being carried into passenger accommodation unknowingly. In response to increased traffic and odour complaints, fish hauliers were banned from using the ferry service during the day.
The revelations have drawn attention to the serious health risks faced by ferry passengers due to leaking fish waste, prompting CalMac to take corrective actions to mitigate these dangers.
In summary, the article highlights the hazardous conditions ferry passengers were exposed to as a result of leaking fish waste on CalMac vessels. The report underscores the importance of ensuring passenger safety and preventing health risks associated with such practices. It also sheds light on the efforts made by individuals like Don Staniford to bring attention to these issues and hold operators accountable for maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety onboard ferries.