Vaila
Posted: Saturday, 20 January 2007 |
On 6 January 1957, the Fisheries Protection cruiser ran aground on Eilean Iubhard, just south of Lemreway in South Lochs at 5.30 am. As the vessel became stuck fast on the rocks, the captain ordered to abandon ship. Three lifeboats were launched, of which two got away safely. The third got fouled and turned over, and several crew ended up in the water. Although the captain was saved, five crew drowned that day. Survivors were brought ashore in Stornoway
The Vaila started life as the Royal Navy Minesweeper HMS Acacia, built at a yard in Ardrossan in 1940. She took part in the Normandy landings off Sword Beach. In 1948, she became the Vaila.
Image: Clydesite.co.uk, taken by John Bell.
Poignantly, when the news came through to Stornoway that the Vaila had sunk, at 8 am that morning, the authorities were not aware that 5 crew had drowned in the waters of Loch Shell. They thought all would be safe, as they were in fairly calm waters. Lifeboat was proceeding to the scene.
Source: National Archive for Scotland through Google
The Vaila started life as the Royal Navy Minesweeper HMS Acacia, built at a yard in Ardrossan in 1940. She took part in the Normandy landings off Sword Beach. In 1948, she became the Vaila.
Image: Clydesite.co.uk, taken by John Bell.
Poignantly, when the news came through to Stornoway that the Vaila had sunk, at 8 am that morning, the authorities were not aware that 5 crew had drowned in the waters of Loch Shell. They thought all would be safe, as they were in fairly calm waters. Lifeboat was proceeding to the scene.
Source: National Archive for Scotland through Google
Comments
Those old pictures are interesting, Arnish. Thanks. You are really a bottomless fount on naval disasters lore in the northern islands! What next?!
mjc from NM,USA
Arnish -you're not Uncle Albert from 'Only Fools and Horses' are you?
calumannabel from Peckham Place Plonkers Brae Habost
No, Calum. Put this post on as a more extensive version of this story featured on this month's Back in the Day. Any info and stories welcome, can provide forwarding address if necessary.
Arnish Lighthouse from Stornoway
I have been in Lewis since late 2004 and am observing life on this fascinating island from an outsider's perspective. I look out at the lighthouse every day - as it looks out over the island and the sea. 
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