Prompt action by lifeboat saves Skye car ferry from rocks Mallaig Scotland South Division The deputy second coxswain of the Mallaig lifeboat has received a letter of thanks after his prompt action when in command of the relief Arun class lifeboat Sir MaxAitken which enabled a passenger ferry with more than 50 people aboard to be towed to safety.

The Skye ferry was reported in difficulties by Oban Coastguard at 1908 on 23 December 1988 and the lifeboat put to sea under deputy second coxswain McMinn, on his first service in command of a lifeboat.

The ferry was adrift in Lochalsh with a damaged loading door, and a NW Force 9 gale was making the sea rough. Launching into the gale at 1930 the Arun reached the casualty at 2045, where two Royal Naval Auxiliaries were manoeuvring the crippled car ferry.

The assistance offerred by the lifeboat was declined, butSirMaxAitken stayed with the three vessels to escort them to safety.

When approaching the harbour at Kyle of Lochalsh one of the auxiliary vessels cast off her tow, and the ferry and her passengers immediately started to drift towards a rocky outcrop in the gale force wind and rough sea.

The coxswain instantly realised the potential danger of the situation and quickly took the lifeboat in to the ferry. Passing a towline he was able to pull the casualty clear of the rocks, then went alongside and, with the assistance of the remaining RN Auxiliary, manoeuvred the vessel alongside the pier at Kyle of Lochalsh.

With the ferry safely alongside the lifeboat was able to leave her at 2240 for the passage back to her station, and was on her moorings and ready for service again by 2359..