Two fishing vessels A MOTOR FISHING VESSEL sinking off Sarclett Head on her way back from fishing grounds was reported to the honorary secretary of Wick lifeboat station at 0135 on Thursday May 21 by HM Coastguard. The lifeboat crew were assembled and Wick's 48ft 6in Oakley Princess Marina launched at 0145 under the command of Coxswain Donald McKay. A gentle to moderate breeze, force 3i to 4, was blowing from the southeast, the sea was slight but it was a hazy night and visibility was poor. It was almost high water.

While the lifeboat was on her way to the stricken fishing boat, five miles south of Wick, the Coastguard received radio messages from MFV Restless Wave and MFV Maid of Honour saying that they were also steaming for the last known position of the casualty.

When, at about 0220, the lifeboat arrived off Sarclett Head she sighted flares which guided her to a liferaft in which were the four crew of MFV Andreas, which had now sunk. The four men and the liferaft were taken on board the lifeboat, which returned to station and landed the survivors at Wick Harbour at 0310..