THE owners of the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer have announced they are to hold an independent inquiry into how the operation to 'slip' the historic paddle steamer went wrong.

The 191-foot vessel slid back into the waters of Loch Lomond last Thursday near the end of a four-hour operation to haul her on to the Balloch Steam Slipway for a survey of the ship's hull as part of a £1 million refurbishment.

Witnesses described hearing a loud bang seconds before the ship slid back into the loch while hundreds of people watched from the shore.

No-one was injured in the incident, although one volunteer had to be pulled out of the water.

John Beveridge, the chairman of the Loch Lomond Steamship Company (LLSC), the charity which owns the Maid, said shortly after the incident that a probe would be carried out to find out how the incident happened.

But the charity now says it is to conduct an independent inquiry to establish the full circumstances of what it's describing as a "setback" in the Maid's restoration.

In a series of messages posted on the @maidtosail Twitter feed, the company said: "The board of LLSC would like to to thank everyone for the incredible support shown over the past few days.

"We have been inundated with messages and are overwhelmed with the kindness shown.

"We know you are all keen to find out when we will attempt to slip the ship again and please know this sits high on our agenda.

"We have however decided to conduct an independent inquiry into the incident on Thursday, and this will take some time.

"We will keep you all posted of how this goes and of course update when we know more.

"In the meantime there is a huge amount going on that we (and you all!) have to look forward to.

"The £1 million refit work continues, we are currently advertising for a naval architecture firm and contracts for engine room pipework, electrical work, and outfitting.

"Two rooms on board the aft deck saloon complete with education suite and the aft main deck saloon - will be refitted to her 1950’s style, but to current safety standards.

"A lift will be installed for the less-abled to allow access from the promenade deck to the main deck.

"Most exciting of all will be the overhaul of her majestic engines to bring them back into steam operation. Visitors will be able to see them moving and her paddles going around for the first time since 1981 when she was taken out of service. This will be a real spectacle to see.

"Yes, Thursday was disappointing and is a setback, but we have had many setbacks over the years and these only make us stronger.

"It’s only three months until we open again for the season so it’s ‘full steam ahead’ to get the ship ready for visitors.

"We have some great shots and video of the ship before Thursday’s setback which we will share over the coming weeks.

"This was no mean feat and although disappointed with the outcome, it was such a joy to watch her move from her berth at the pier. Thank you everyone."