Mallaig
Lifeboat
Log for 2008
Information for these pages is sourced from WestWord, local newspaper for West Lochaber
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Friday 18th January:
An initial alert by the Mallaig Harbourmaster that the fishing
vessel Reul A 'Chuain was 2 miles SW of Mallaig with a fouled propeller was quickly followed by the Stornoway Coastguard's request for an immediate launch at 16.24hrs. The Lifeboat was underway at 16.29hrs in a severe SW Gale 9 and proceeded to casualty. Arriving on scene at 16.40hrs the Lifeboat found the casualty rolling heavily on the broadside with net in the propeller, trawl wire snagging the rudder, and therefore unable to manoeuvre.
A line was secured with difficulty and the trawler was towed towards Mallaig. Owing to the severity of the conditions and the fishing vessel's inability to steer, on advice from the Mallaig Harbourmaster the Coxswain of the Lifeboat decided not to try to enter the harbour but head for the comparative shelter of Loch Nevis. The tow was extremely difficult with the Reul A 'Chuain (OB 915) continually pulling to starboard and net and gear dragging in the water. At a speed of 3-4 knots the fish farm site at Earnasaig, 6 miles from the casualty's first position, was eventually reached and the fishing boat secured to the fish farm barge there. With no abatement in weather, it was decided to leave the fishing vessel secured safely overnight, so the Lifeboat proceeded to Mallaig with the crew of the Reul A 'Chuain, docking at 19.35hrs.
Saturday 19th January:
Whilst out on exercise, the Lifeboat was requested to give
assistance in recovering Reul A 'Chuain to Mallaig from the position where it had been left on the previous evening. The fishing vessel was safe at that location for a short period but not if the weather was to worsen. It was decided that the safest option was to assist the trawler back to Mallaig Harbour where the vessel was eventually beached to clear its fouled propeller.
Thursday 24th January:
Gale force winds, rough seas and good visibility were the
weather conditions at 10.22am when the Mallaig Lifeboat was requested by Stornoway Coastguard to transfer a 64-year old lady from the Isle of Muck to Mallaig. The lady had damaged her right elbow and further medical treatment was required. The Lifeboat uplifted the casualty from Muck at 11.43hrs and brought her to the waiting ambulance on Mallaig Pier. Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 13.15hrs.
Tuesday 29th January:
Lifeboat launch requested by Mallaig Harbourmaster at
11.05hrs to assist in the safe entry and subsequent berthing of the fish farm well boat Ronja Pioneer which had suffered engine failure. The Ronja Pioneer was towed into Mallaig by the Ronja Viking and the Lifeboat stood by until the vessel was safely berthed at the harbour one hour later.
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