Mallaig Lifeboat
Log for 2012

Information for these pages is sourced from WestWord, local newspaper for West Lochaber

Sunday 29th January:
Clear sky, excellent visibility and moderate breeze were the pertinent weather conditions at 14.59hrs when the Mallaig Lifeboat was requested to go to the assistance of an injured person at Inverie by HM Coastguard in Stornoway. Lifeboat arrived at Inverie at 15.15hrs with a paramedic (as a crew member) on board who quickly assessed the casualty who was suffering from a shoulder injury having been flung off his quad bike. Although in pain the casualty was mobile and was helped on board the lifeboat for onward transportation to Mallaig. Casualty was handed over into the care of his father who drove him to the Belford Hospital for treatment. Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 15.45hrs.

Wednesday 1st February:
Mallaig Lifeboat launched at 19:40hrs at the request of Stornoway Coastguard to medivac a patient from the Isle of Eigg to the mainland. In good weather conditions the Lifeboat made good time arriving at Eigg at 20.15hrs where the patient was taken on board and Lifeboat set off for Mallaig with minimum delay. Patient was transferred into the care of the Ambulance Service when the lifeboat docked at Mallaig.
Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 21.24hrs.

Saturday 11th February:
The Mallaig Lifeboat was launched at 10:53hrs at the request of the Stornoway Coastguard to go to the assistance of the fishing vessel Coquet Light disabled by a fouled propeller whilst fishing in the Sound of Sleat. On scene at 11:41hrs the tow rope was quickly passed and the tow to Mallaig commenced. Once outside the harbour the stricken vessel was taken alongside the lifeboat for safe entry to the port.
Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 12:41hrs

Sunday 12th February:
Launched at 20:35hrs the Mallaig Lifeboat was tasked to go to the assistance of an crew member on board the Silver Dawn, a local prawn trawler berthed at Rum Pier. The crew member had suffered a seizure and on contacting the Coastguard the skipper of the trawler was informed that it would be in the best interests of the patient to get him to the mainland as soon as possible for medical treatment. Arriving on scene at 21:17hrs the fisherman - although a bit groggy - was able to board the Lifeboat unaided and the Lifeboat set off immediately for Mallaig where they docked at 22:14hrs and handed over the casualty into the care of the Ambulance Service.

Friday 2nd March:
Mallaig Lifeboat was launched at 21.44 hrs when asked by HM Coastguard to help in the search for a 58 year male on the Island of Skye. Arriving at Arrnadale Pier at 21.59 hrs, the Lifeboat coxswain liaised with the Police Officer to formulate a plan of action, and the Rescue helicopter was en route from Stornoway. Police were worried about the safety and wellbeing of the missing man and concerned about his state of mind, but the Lifeboat was quickly stood down when he was reported to be in the care and custody of the Police.
Lifeboat arrived back in Mallaig at 22.30hrs.

Saturday 17th March:
It was a clear crisp day when at 16.33 hrs HM Coastguard requested the launch of the Mallaig Lifeboat to go to the assistance of the creel boat Boy Grant who, on passage from Tobermory to Elgol, had struck a rock to the south of Muck Harbour.
With the Mallaig Lifeboat underway, the local volunteer Coastguard went out to assist the stricken vessel and, securing a tow, managed to pull the Boy Grant into Muck harbour.
Arriving on scene at 17.16 hrs and assessing the damage with the skipper - the sole occupant of the Boy Grant - it was decided that the damaged vessel could be towed back to Mallaig with the salvage pump dealing with the ingress of water. The 8 metre creel boat was strapped alongside the Lifeboat and, with improving weather conditions, made for Mallaig, arriving there at 21.07 hrs.
Lifeboat was refuelled and ready for service at 21.30 hrs.

Friday 6th April:
Lifeboat launched at 18.21 hrs at the request of the Stornoway Coastguard to go to the assistance of a lady apparently stranded by the incoming tide on an island off Bunacaimbe Caravan Park.
Whilst on passage to the scene, local Police, assisted by a camper and his canoe, paddled out to the casualty and brought her back to shore. Lifeboat stood down at 18.43 hrs and returned to station.

Wednesday 11th April:
Mallaig Lifeboat launched at 16.19 hrs to go to the assistance of two youngsters reportedly clinging to a capsized kayak in the Roshven area of Loch Ailort. The Rescue Helicopter was alerted but whilst on the passage radio traffic was being monitored and to everyone's relief the Coastguard were informed that the boy's father had commissioned a local rowing boat and had been able to rescue the two boys from the water.
With the casualties none the worse for their ordeal, the Lifeboat and all services were stood down. Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 1800 hrs.

Monday 30th April:
Responding to an emergency signal picked up by Falmouth Coastguard, Mallaig Lifeboat was launched to go to the assistance of a fishing vessel located to the north of Rum. However, just as the Lifeboat was leaving the pontoon, the Coastguard had established contact with the 8 metre fishing boat Belleraphone and they reported that all was well. It appears that the vessel's MOB Guardian had malfunctioned and sent out a distress signal. Lifeboat stood down and remoored 0815 hrs.

Thursday 3rd May:
The transmission of a DSC Mayday Signal initiated a full scale search on the north-west coast as Coastguard attempted to pinpoint the vessel's location. Fearful for the vessel's crew, it was decided to launch both Mallaig and Barra Lifeboats, and the Stornoway based Rescue Helicopter was also tasked to search.
With Barra Lifeboat coming up the east side of the Uists, Mallaig Lifeboat was tasked to search the south end of Skye to the north west towards Neist Point. Rescue Helicopter 100 began to search the lochs on the west side of Skye.
At 18.19 hrs both lifeboats and helicopter were stood down as the 'casualty' had been found safe and well in Broadford Bay, Skye, by the Coastguard. There had been a malfunction of the automatic mayday alarm.
Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 19.15 hrs.

Friday 4th May:
Lifeboat launched at 10.50 hrs at the request of the Stornoway Coastguard to medivac a patient from the Isle of Eigg. With two paramedics aboard the lifeboat, aided by a stiff northerly breeze, made good time arriving at Eigg Pier at 11.30 hrs. The patient was met by the paramedics and quickly escorted onto the lifeboat.
Departing at 11.35 hrs, the lifeboat proceeded back to the pontoon at Mallaig where the patient was transferred to the Ambulance Service for onward travel to Fort Williams Belford Hospital. Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 12.45 hrs.

Friday 4th May:
Mallaig Lifeboat launched for a second time in the day at 22.13 hrs to medivac a sick female from Knoydart, suffering from severe abdominal pains. On scene in 25 minutes, the lifeboat was met by the patient, her partner and the family dog! With locals and crew members assisting, the patient was able to walk slowly on board the lifeboat for the return trip to Mallaig.
Arriving back at Mallaig at 23.00 hrs, the patient was handed over to the awaiting ambulance crew for transportation to the Belford Hospital in Fort William.
Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 23.20 hrs.

Thursday 10th May:
Mallaig Lifeboat launched at noon to go to the assistance of the 8 metre yacht Sandpiper of Sleat. The yacht crew had reported to the Coastguard that they had a fouled propeller coupled with faulty steering and were located west of Loch Eynort (West Coast of Skye).
The Fisheries Protection Vessel Minna was in the vicinity and stood by the yacht relaying messages between the stricken vessel and the Coastguard. The Minna's large RIB was launched and sent to ascertain if they could assist in any repairs and to check that the eight crew on board the yacht were all well. Unable to free the prop or deal with the steering fault, the Minna stood by the drifting yacht until the lifeboat's arrival.
On scene at 13.10 hrs, the lifeboat crew quickly established the tow rope to Sandpiper of Sleat and by 13.20 hrs, with a moderate breeze from the north-east, the tow commenced. Rounding Sleat Point, the wind had slackened somewhat and the yacht skipper requested to divert to Armadale in Skye, from where the vessel had been chartered. Arriving at Armadale at 17.30 hrs, the lifeboat transferred the tow rope to the charter's tender and set off for Mallaig, arriving there at 17.43 hrs.

Saturday 12th May:
Calm conditions with a clear, cloudless sky, were the weather conditions when at 10.08 hrs the Mallaig Lifeboat was launched to go to the assistance of a holiday maker on the Isle of Rum who had fallen and was suffering from a suspected broken arm. Arriving at Rum at 10.40 hrs, the patient was taken on board. then subsequently transferred to the waiting ambulance personnel when the Mallaig Lifeboat berthed at Mallaig Pier at 11.30 hrs.

Sunday 20th May:
Stornoway Coastguard requested the launch of the Mallaig Lifeboat at 11.25 hrs to go to the assistance of the 10 metre yacht Stormdancer and escort the vessel into Mallaig Harbour. Leaving Canna Harbour earlier that morning, Stormdancer's gearbox was not functioning properly, but with the wind being favourable the yacht was able to leave Canna under sail and proceed towards Mallaig. Once the vessel was two miles off Mallaig the lifeboat was launched to assist and when the yacht was strapped alongside the lifeboat the vessels. in near calm weather conditions, were soon in port with Stormdancer secured to the new yachting pontoons and the lifeboat at the RNLI pontoon.
Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 12.20 hrs.

Tuesday June 5th:
Lifeboat launched at 09.45 hrs to go to the assistance of the 10 metre trawler Coquet Light, lying a couple of miles to the east of Hyskeir Light with a fouled propeller. In near perfect weather conditions, the Lifeboat was on scene at 1100 hrs and, with the tow established in minutes, set off for Mallaig arriving there at 15.45hrs. With the trawler now safely berthed, the Lifeboat refuelled and was ready for service at 1600 hrs.

Wednesday June 6:
Launched at the request of Stornoway Coastguard at 07.25 hrs to assist a lady who had taken ill on board a motor cruiser in Tarbet Bay, Loch Nevis. The Mallaig Lifeboat was on scene at 07.50 hrs, and when the patient was examined by a crew member paramedic, it was decided that it would be prudent to transport the casualty to Mallaig. Lifeboat berthed at Mallaig at 08.25hrs and transferred the casualty to the awaiting Ambulance personnel. Lifeboat ready for service at 08.50hrs.

Thursday June 7th:
A request from the Mallaig Harbour Master via the Local Operations Manager led to the launching of the Lifeboat to assist in the berthing of the 25 metre Ocean Way. The trawler, suffering from engine failure, had been under tow for 48 hours with FV Norlan towing the vessel from the west side of the Hebrides towards Mallaig.
The Lifeboat was launched at 11.30hrs to ensure safe passage for the Ocean Way into the Outer Harbour. Rendezvousing with the vessels a mile off the harbour, the Lifeboat took up position astern of the casualty. Two ropes were passed and attached to each quarter of the casualty and, with the Lifeboat now acting as a brake, the vessels cautiously approached the Outer Harbour entrance. The operation went as smooth as silk with Norlan dropping the tow on entering the Harbour and the Lifeboat manoeuvring Ocean Way alongside the quay wall.

Wednesday June 13th:
Launched at 13.20hrs to a Mayday call from the yacht Solpieter grounded on a reef on the west side of Eigg. Whilst the Lifeboat was proceeding to the scene, the Coastguard was informed by the yacht skipper that the yacht had re-floated but that there was a slight ingress of water. The 9 metre yacht was making way when the Lifeboat arrived on scene and after discussions it was decided that Solpieter proceed to Arisaig under escort of the Lifeboat.
Arriving at Arisaig at 16.10hrs, Solpieter was put on a mooring and with the assistance of the Lifeboat crew and the salvage pump, all the compartments were pumped dry to ascertain where the water was getting in. With Marina staff now in control of the situation, the Lifeboat returned to Mallaig, was refuelled and ready for service at 17.30hrs.

Friday June 15th:
Launched into a light breeze at 13.00hrs to assist a yacht with a fouled propeller, information received from the Coastguard was that the 8 metre yacht Kijana had become fouled on a rope attached to a fleet of creels a short distance from Mallaig.
The Kijana was literally anchored by the propeller to the string of creels and in no immediate danger. The FV Spaven Mor managed to grapple the rope to the surface and in doing so the skipper of the yacht managed to cut the rope and free Kyana from the string of creels just as the Lifeboat arrived on scene.
Unsure of how much rope had been taken into the propeller, it was deemed safer to tow Kijana into Mallaig Marina where a diver could free the propeller of rope. Kijana berthed at the yachting harbour at 14.10hrs.

Wednesday June 27th:
Launched at 20.30hrs at the request of HM Coastguard to go to the assistance of a yacht broken down and becalmed to the north of Canna. The 12 metre yacht Baleine, with three of a crew, had been motor-sailing from Loch Dunvegan to the South Minch where, five miles to the north of the Isle of Canna, the engine suddenly stopped. With no wind to sail due to the calm misty conditions, the yacht issued a PAN PAN message for assistance.
As the Lifeboat proceeded to the casualty, the fishing vessel Jean Frances also headed to the yacht's location. However, the yacht reported that the engine had been restarted and was making headway towards Canna Harbour with the Jean Frances astern. As a precaution, the Coastguard requested that the Lifeboat meet with the Baleine at Canna to ascertain if they were going to be able to continue their passage. Assurances were received from the yacht's crew so Lifeboat departed the now anchored yacht, reaching Mallaig, refuelled and ready for service at 2330hrs.

Wednesday 7th July:
Lifeboat launched at 03.00 hrs when requested by HM Coastguard in Stornoway to medivac an injured cyclist in Inverie who had fallen off her cycle and sustained a head injury. With a paramedic and ambulance technician on board, the Lifeboat arrived on scene at 03.20 hrs and, after examination of the patient, deemed her fit to be transferred to Mallaig on the vessel. Assisted on board by the Lifeboat crew, the casualty and a companion were conveyed to Mallaig Harbour and the care of the Ambulance personnel.
Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 04.30 hrs.

Saturday 21st July:
There was a launch request by Stornoway Coastguard at 20.57 hrs after reports that a small craft with two persons on board had suffered engine failure off Ulinish Point in Loch Harport, Skye. However, a yacht was in the area and went to the casua1ty's assistance, towing it to Portnalong, Skye. With the Lifeboat no longer needed, crew were stood down at 21.00 hrs.

Sunday 22nd July:
Mallaig Lifeboat launched at 10.50 hrs in near gale force conditions to go to the assistance of the 8 metre yacht Papillon of Carden reportedly dragging her anchor and in danger of beaching in Rum harbour. Arriving on scene at 11.37 hrs, the Lifeboat discovered the yacht holding again but now out in the middle of the loch, being blown about by the strong squalls and gale force winds.
It was agreed that a member of the Lifeboat crew should board the yacht to assist in the recovery of the anchor and reposition in calmer waters but it soon became apparent that even with two persons aboard it was still an effort to recover the anchor in the powerful squalls. The Lifeboat manoeuvred alongside it again and put another crew member on board. This allowed the skipper of the yacht to motor up on the anchor, letting the two crew hand haul the chain and anchor on board.
With anchor recovered, the Papillon tried to anchor again but to no avail. On the third attempt, the anchor took grip and seemed to be holding well. After waiting and watching for 15 minutes, it became apparent that the yacht had not moved despite the squally conditions so the Lifeboat manoeuvred alongside the yacht and in a split second and with great agility, the two crew sprung onto the aftrails and clambered safely on board the Lifeboat. Lifeboat returned to Mallaig, was refuelled and ready for service at 13.50 hrs.

Wednesday 25th July:
Launched at the request of Stornoway Coastguard at 12.15 hrs, the Mallaig Lifeboat was tasked to go to the assistance of the yacht Graphix, suffering from steering loss west of Sleat Point. By the time the Lifeboat arrived on scene (12.35), the crew of the 10 metre yacht had managed to regain steering and were proceeding towards Mallaig. With the yacht Lucky T also bound for Mallaig, agreeing to escort the Graphix into port, the Lifeboat was released from service and returned to harbour, then refuelled and was ready for service at 13.15 hrs.

Wednesday 1st August:
Mallaig Lifeboat launched at 21.41 hrs when tasked by Stornoway Coastguard to investigate an EPIRB distress broadcast which appeared to be emanating from a position north of Mallaig around the Isle Ornsay area. The Lifeboat headed down the bearing provided by the emergency beacon and at 22.10 hrs a strong radar signal was picked up. Shortly afterwards a white hull became visible in the mist. As the Lifeboat got closer, it was realised that a fairly large catamaran had capsized.
In between the two hulls on the upturned deck, seven survivors were huddled together. After communicating with them and ascertaining that everyone was accounted for, the Y- boat was launched and this plus the catamaran's own dinghy soon ensured that the casualties were soon safely aboard the Lifeboat. All were given blankets and jackets to keep them warm as the Lifeboat headed back to Mallaig.
Once there (23.11 hrs) the seven crew of the Pampero (a 15 metre catamaran) were taken to the Fishermen's Mission for dry clothing and warm food. A local charter boat was able to tow the upturned vessel into Isle Ornsay Bay out of the way of other shipping.

Friday 3rd August:
Mallaig Lifeboat launched at 15.25 when requested by Stornoway Coastguard, to go to the assistance of a swimmer apparently in difficulties off the Arisaig coastline. Whilst proceeding to the location of the swimmer, it became apparent that someone in a rowing boat had recovered the casualty who was now safe and well.
Lifeboat stood down and returned to station. Ready for service at 15.45 hrs.

Sunday 5th August:
Lifeboat launched at 13.40 hrs to convey Paramedics to Inverie to assess injury to a holiday maker who had fallen, injuring her knee. On arrival at Inverie, (13.55 hrs), paramedics and crew were transported to where the casualty was located.
After examination, the injured lady was placed in a land rover and carefully transported to the Lifeboat waiting at the pier. Once aboard, the Lifeboat departed for Mallaig, arriving there at 14.50 hrs, where the casualty was assessed again with a friend agreeing to transport her to hospital in Fort William.

Sunday 5th August:
The second medivac of the day occurred at 16.20 hrs when Stornoway Coastguard tasked the Lifeboat to transfer a sick female from the Isle of Rum to Mallaig. This was speedily done with the Lifeboat docking at Mallaig at 17.50 hrs, placing the sick woman into the care of the local Ambulance personnel.

Thursday 23rd August:
Lifeboat launched at 14.00 hrs by Stornoway Coastguard to go to the assistance of the 10 metre yacht Nan Gillean in difficulties off the west coast of Skye.
The yacht had picked up a large length of rope in its propeller and, being unable to sail due to very light winds, informed the Coastguard of the predicament. As the Lifeboat arrived on scene at 15.15 hrs, a slight breeze had enabled Nan Gillean to make some headway, but it was agreed that a tow be established and once done the vessels headed for Mallaig. Just outside the harbour, the Lifeboat's starboard engine failed but, proceeding cautiously into harbour on one engine, the yacht was safely berthed at the pontoons at 19.00 hrs.

Thursday 30th August:
Lifeboat launched at 18.45 hrs when tasked by Stornoway Coastguard to go to the aid of two people stranded by the tide off the coast at Traigh Golf Course. In good weather conditions, the Lifeboat arrived on site within 15 minutes and a straightforward launch of the Y-boat saw the two casualties recovered and delivered ashore to the local Coastguard.
Y-boat back on board, the Lifeboat was soon underway for Mallaig, and was refuelled and ready for service at 20.00 hrs.

Friday 31st August:
Launched at two minutes to midnight on the last day of the month, the Mallaig Lifeboat was responding to a medivac call from Inverie where a young man was suffering from chest pains. On arrival at Inverie at 00.20 hrs, the casualty was quickly assisted on board by Lifeboat crew and his companions and the Lifeboat departed for Mallaig, arriving there 00.51 hrs, handing over the casualty to the care of the Paramedics and the Ambulance Service.
Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 01.15hrs.

Saturday 1st September:
With near gale conditions prevailing at 11.50hrs, the Stornoway Coastguard request to go to the assistance of a yacht dragging its anchor in Canna Harbour came through with the Lifeboat on exercise. Responding immediately, the Lifeboat arrived in Canna at 12.50hrs to discover that the 10 metre yacht Goldrush, although on the beach, had grounded on sandy bottom and the four crew were safe on the shore.
Two members of the Lifeboat crew inspected the hull of the yacht but no damage could be seen. After two or three hours waiting for sufficient tide, the Lifeboat via clever use of tow lines, anchors, capstan and the Y-boat, managed to successfully re-float Goldrush which was made secure on a local mooring.
With the yacht and its crew all safe and well, the Lifeboat headed hone for Mallaig and was refuelled and ready for service at 18.30 hrs.

Monday 3rd September:
Lifeboat was launched at 17.54 hrs to go to the assistance of the Lerwick registered fishing vessel Alison Kay on passage to Mallaig to land its catch. However, two miles SW of Rum, the vessel's auxiliary engine, which powers the steering and hydraulic systems on board, failed, prompting the call for assistance.
As the Lifeboat approached the North of Eigg, the Coastguard relayed a message that the engineer on board Alison Kay had managed to restart the auxiliary engine and subsequently regain control of the vessel. With all systems now functioning properly, there was no need of the Lifeboat which was stood down at 18.46hrs and returned to Mallaig.

Monday 3rd September:
A request from the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service via the Coastguard and the Local Operations Manager saw the Lifeboat underway to the Island of Eigg at 21.30 hrs. On board the Lifeboat were four Mallaig Firefighters being transported out to the island to deal with a bad chimney fire at Eigg Lodge.
On arrival, the fire crew were taken to the scene and, although the chimney fire had by now died down, their use of specialised equipment located a hot spot in the chimney. A large amount of soot was still burning and had the potential of spreading into the roof space had it not been located and dealt with.
Once everything had been dowsed down and made safe, the Fire Brigade personnel returned to the Lifeboat which then set off for Mallaig arriving there at 00.30 hrs on the Tuesday.

Thursday 4th October:
Although cloudy, Weather conditions were calm when Stornoway Coastguard requested the assistance of the Mallaig Lifeboat at 14.09 hrs to go to the assistance of a small creel boat in difficulty a mile and a half south of Isle Ornsay light. The Quest had been hauling creels when the propeller became fouled by rope and therefore sought assistance.
Arriving alongside the casualty at 14.45 hrs, the Lifeboat crew passed the tow rope to the Quest, which was still secured to its fleet of creels. The gear was slipped and the short journey round to the safety of Isle Ornsay pier commenced. Once at Isle Ornsay, the Lifeboat picked up a mooring and launched the Y-boat to take Quest the rest of the way into the pier.
Once the operation was completed, the Lifeboat returned to Mallaig, was refuelled and ready for service at 1700 hrs.

Wednesday 28th November:
Lifeboat launched at 10.40hrs when tasked by Stornoway Coastguard to go to the assistance of the local fishing trawler Amethyst. The vessel had been fishing west of the Puffer area off the Isle of Eigg when a pipe to the gearbox failed and, with no other vessel in the immediate area, the Amethyst's skipper alerted the Coastguard to their predicament.
Thankfully weather conditions were good and the Lifeboat was soon alongside (11.10 hrs), a tow rope quickly established and tyhe stricken fishing vessel was towed back to Mallaig Harbour for repairs, arriving there at 13.10 hrs.

Wednesday 26th December:
Lifeboat launched at 15.30 hrs at the request of the Stornoway Coastguard to investigate a report from a member of the public of flames and smoke on the shoreline at the mouth of Loch Nevis.
The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter was also tasked to carry out a search of the area and, with both rescue services arriving on scene at the same time (15.45 hrs), a co-ordinated search got under way. The Lifeboat commenced searching from Airor into Loch Hourn and the Y-boat was launched to check the foreshore. Meanwhile the Rescue Helicopter had landed and made contact with the occupants of one of the houses there, and it was quickly established that they had set alight a bonfire on the foreshore earlier in the day, so With the source now established and the fire extinguished, both the Rescue Helicopter and the Lifeboat were relieved from their duties and returned to their respective bases.
Mallaig Lifeboat refuelled and ready for service at 17.10 hrs.

Sunday December 30th:
The 40th call out of the year was for a missing horse! Mallaig Lifeboat was launched at 16.15 hrs when tasked by HM Coastguard to search for a horse last observed swimming near the fish farm at Ardintigh, Loch Nevis. The thoroughbred had been missing from its field for a couple of days as it had been spooked by thunder. The owner had spotted the animal in the water earlier in the day and had seen it make the shore at Ardintigh, but when she went to collect the horse it bolted back into the Water and began to swim off in the direction of Stoul Point. By this time the horse owner was becoming extremely concerned, hence the call out for Coastguard and Lifeboat assistance.
On scene at 16.30 hrs, in the fading light, the Lifeboat commenced a search, even launching the Y-boat to check the lochside. Joined by Inverie based vessel Venturer, the search for the horse along the shoreline continued with the help of searchlights. A white para-flame was used to illuminate the search area but no trace of the animal was found. After three hours the search was abandoned with the Lifeboat returning to its pontoon at Mallaig Harbour.
Follow up: The horse has since been reunited with its owner, none the worse for its escapade.

Annual statistics:
The total number of callouts during the calendar year 2012 for Mallaig's Severn Class Lifeboat Henry Alston Hewat numbered forty.
This compares with 32 callouts in 2011 and 31 in 2010.
The busiest month of 2012 was August when the Lifeboat was launched on seven occasions.