Norwegian coaster towed off reef by Mallaig lifeboat On 16 April 1991, coxswain Tommy Ralston of Mallaig lifeboat station sighted from his house the Norwegian coaster Sonnodd heading for the reef to the north of Mallaig lighthouse.

Before the vessel struck he requested the Coastguard to page the crew, realising that with a falling tide there was very little time to spare.

Aboard Mailaig's relief lifeboat Duchess of Kent, coxswain Ralston realised that the coaster was fast about half way along the keel. Knowing where deep water was, he towed the vessel in that direction at an angle of 90 degrees to the boat's heading, thus giving greater leverage.

The coaster was eventually towed off the reef and escorted into Mallaig Harbour.

But for Ihe speedy action of the coxswain and crew the coaster would have lain over at low tide and because of the rock formation it is unlikely she would have righted herself.

Captain Murray, the harbour master, stated that the coxswain's good seamanship undoubtedly saved the vessel.

The service was noted with a Letter of Thanks from the chief of operations..