Isle of Gigha
Islay, Inner Hebrides - At 10.19 a-ni.
on nth November, 1966, news was given that the barge Isle of Gigha had capsized three miles south of Chuirn Island. Two men were missing. There was a strong southerly wind with a rough sea. It was one hour after low water.
The life-boat Francis W. Wotherspoon of Paisley proceeded at 10.36. When she arrived at the position given she found the motor vessel Lochiel, which had seen the barge capsize, searching the area. The Lochiel had immediately lowered hftr ship's boat and rescued two men but two others were missing. At 2 o'clock H.M.S.
Murray arrived in the area and a party of five, which included divers, were transferred to the life-boat. The divers searched the Isle of Gigha but could not find anyone trapped. Soon after the diving operation was finished the lifeboat was visited by the inspector of life-boats who arrived in the area by helicopter. The life-boat continued the search in conjunction with other vessels but without success. The search was abandoned when it became dark and the life-boat was recalled, arriving at 7.15..