THICK FOG Longhope, Orkneys. At 6.35 a.m. on 23rd August, 1965, a cargo vessel was reported ashore on the west side of Muckle Skerry. There were light northerly airs with a slight sea. A thick fog reduced visibility to about thirty yards. It was two hours before high water. The life-boat T.G.B. launched at 6.50 and made good speed as the tide was setting to the south-east, towards the Pentland Skerries. At 7.55 the life-boat reached the vessel, the East German m.v.

Kathe Niederkirchner of Rostock, which was aground on the north-west side of Muckle Skerry. All the passengers and crew had gained the shore and were grouped on the small lighthouse jetty.

Forty-eight of the survivors were taken on board the life-boat and landed at St. Margaret's Hope, Orkney, at 11.55 a.m. The captain and boatswain remained behind at the lighthouse. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 1.8 p.m..