Fishing boat sinks AT 1235 on Thursday August 21, 1986, Oban Coastguard informed Mr A.

McLellan, honorary secretary of Mallaig lifeboat station, that a fishing vesselhad struck rocks on the south coast of Rhum and required immediate assistance.

The maroons were fired at 1240 and at 1250 the relief 52ft Arun class lifeboat, Sir Max Aitken, on temporary duty at Mallaig, launched on service with Acting Coxswain John Henderson in command.

The weather was good with a slight north easterly breeze, smooth sea, slight swell and good visibility. The lifeboat arrived off Sgeirean Mora at 1350 to find the fishing vessel LBP fast aground by the stern, lifted to port and making water. A salvage pump from Skye was awaited and the fishing vessel Amaryllis was standing by.

On arrival, Acting Coxswain Henderson ordered the lifeboat's inflatable Y boat to be launched and Acting Mechanic Ian MacNaughton and Crew Member Iain MacDonald boarded the casualty to inspect the damage. At 1420 a Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth arrived and transferred a Coastguard salvage pump on to the vessel.

The pump would not start so the lifeboat's salvage pump was transferred to the fishing boat under the supervision of Acting Mechanic MacNaughton. The tide turned at 1430 and by 1500 it became apparent that the water level was gaining. Acting Mechanic Mac- Naughton and the helicopter winchman advised the fishermen to don lifejackets but they declined. Meanwhile the Y boat stood by clear of the casualty.

Acting Coxswain Henderson could see that the casualty's bow was in danger of washing further towards the shore. A line was passed and the lifeboat held the vessel square on to the reef. The fishing vessel Amaryllis held the lifeboat's stem uptide. Shortly after 1500 LBP slid off the reef and began to settle very quickly. The tow line was cut and Acting Mechanic MacNaughton and the three fishermen found themselves in the water.

Two of the fishermen could swim but the third could not, panicked, thrashedabout and sank. Acting Mechanic Mac- Naughton quickly dived and recovered the man and supported him until the Y boat and the lifeboat were able to recover all four men. The Y boat was hauled back aboard the lifeboat which then returned to Mallaig Harbour. The three survivors were landed at 1720 suffering no ill effects.

Following this service the thanks of the RNLI on vellum was presented to Acting Mechanic Ian MacNaughton.

Vellum service certificates were presented to Acting Coxswain John Henderson and Crew Members Albert McMinn, Craig Ramsay, Alexander MacKinnon, George Lawrie and Iain MacDonald..