MARINERS’ union RMT has called for a “thorough investigation” after a passenger ferry ran aground off the isles of Orkney while on fire.

RNLI lifeboat and coastguard vessels responded to calls for emergency assistance from the ferry MV Pentalina on Saturday night and evacuated 60 passengers, including children, and a number of crew members.

The ferry grounded near the village of St Margaret’s Hope on the island of South Ronalday.

It was refloated  this morning after a tow was established by a tug which had been acquired by Pentland Ferries, according to a coastguard spokesman.

He said: “The Pentalina was brought alongside its berth in St Margaret’s Hope a short while later.

“HM Coastguard’s Emergency Towing Vessel MV Ievoli Black observed the operation, alongside counter-pollution officers, and reported that there were no signs of pollution.

“The vessel will be surveyed later today to establish the extent of any damage while the harbour master will continue to monitor for pollution.

“MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch) has also been informed.”

Coastguard teams from St Margaret’s Hope, Stromness and Kirkwall and the Stromness and Longhope RNLI lifeboats were involved in the rescue operation.

An RMT spokesperson said: “We are aware of a major incident onboard the MV Pentalina which has run aground, taking on water with a fire in the engine room.

“A thorough investigation will be needed to establish how this major incident aboard the Pentland Ferries vessel occurred.”

Local politicians are also calling for answers from the Scottish government over what the incident means for ferry users in Orkney.

Transport Scotland said the current priority is for Pentland Ferries to assess the condition of the vessel and any next steps to determine whether there will be any loss of services on the Pentland Firth.