[From our local corresponent] Local fisherman,
Martin Bliss, from Plockton was plucked to safety in
a dramatic rescue mission at lunchtime today [Wednesday
10 July 2002] as his boat floundered in treacherous
seas. Marooned, and in danger of being eaten by his
catch, his cries for help were eventually heard by the
crew and passengers aboard the Argus as it entered Loch
Kishorn.
After failing to attract attention for several minutes,
Mr Bliss had resorted to waving his arms about a lot.
Many passing craft thought he was just being friendly
but the sharp-eyed among the passengers on the Argus
realised that there was something amiss especially when
they saw the small craft 'see-sawing' on top of a well-known
local rock.
The crew and passengers, some worthy locals amongst
them, immediately rallied round in a desperate bid to
save Crabby Bliss, a local celebrity. They approached
with caution under the circumstances as the seas were
monotonous and the winds touching a tenth of a knot.
Ropes were lashed and another local resident, Big Gus
the Pilot, risked life and limb to throw a line.
Dozens of attempts later (Gus knows about flying more
than sailing), Mr Bliss was finally able to catch the
line and the Argus took the strain, gently drawing the
craft free from its rocky captor. Eventually, after
what seemed like hours, the craft bobbed free and everyone
was delighted with the final result (everyone except
the crabs of course).
Mr C MacKenzie, the reluctant hero, would like it to
be known that, although he played an important role
in the rescue, he would not be charging his passengers
any extra for seeing the rescue at first hand nor would
he be claiming salvage. Reward was not of interest to
him. Later when interviewed he said modestly that “the
experience was reward enough and will provide me with
hours of amusement in the years to come.”
For the full story, see Jan on-board or
visit the top place. [Plockton
Inn]
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