The new ferry lost its propeller

The vessel, which cost the operators �7.5m, will now have to go to Glasgow for further examination. It may not be back in service before the summer season ends in October.

The MV Coruisk, which only began to sail the route between Mallaig on the west coast and Armadale on Skye 10 days ago, had to be taken off the crossing due to technical problems on Wednesday.

It was at sea again on Friday - but suffered engine failure entering Mallaig Harbour on Sunday night and ran aground, losing a propeller unit.

About 20 passengers and 11 crew got off the vessel safely, and the company said the only other damage was to a ballast tank.

Inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have launched an inquiry and the boat was being taken to the Clyde to try to find out what caused the problem.

Difficulty

Ferry company chiefs said they hoped to have a passenger-only service operating by the end of Monday and were planning for a 40-car vessel to be at sea by Wednesday.

A Caledonian MacBrayne spokesman said: "We are focusing all our attention on resolving the logistical difficulties of setting up the replacement service.

"We've done everything possible to maintain all our services with the minimum of disruption and we are now endeavouring to get the repairs carried out as quickly as possible and the service back to normal."

The new boat, part of a �12.6m order, is set to operate on the Clyde during the winter. The ferry, larger than its predecessor the Lord of the Isles, offers an alternative to the Skye Bridge.

The crossing is popular with tourists and at the time of the ferry's launch, the chairman of Highland Council's Transportation Committee, Charlie King, said the vessel would provide a significant boost to the economies of both Skye and the mainland.