SAILOR RESCUED 3 TIMES IN AS MANY DAYS

Stornoway Coastguard have rescued the same lone sailor three times in as many days, it has emerged.

On Thursday 5 July 2001, Stornoway lifeboat was launched to rescue the Shetland-registered cruiser ‘Betsy’, after the engine failed 20 miles from its destination. The vessel was heading to St Kilda from Harris

Mr. Campbell Williamson, 68, told coastguards he was safe, but had to call for help with no other boats in the vicinity.

Mr. Williamson, described as an experienced mariner, said he needed a tow into shore to carry out repairs. But his trials did not end there.

Four hours later, Stornoway coastguards received another call from Mr. Williamson saying his vessel had run aground on the island of Killergay, near Harris.

Lifeboat crewmen helped Mr. Williamson refloat the Betsy before he set on his way again - for further repairs.

Then on Friday evening he set sail for Stornoway, but his fortunes took a turn for the worse when his engine failed, again, four miles south of Scalpay.

Stornoway coastguards came to Mr. Williamson's rescue yet again.

They said he seemed to have a recurring problem with the fuel tank.

Mr. Williamson received support from his wife Janet, who maintained the catalogue of mishaps at sea was not her husband's fault.

She said: "As I understand it, a pipe sheared and Campbell lost a lot of fuel. It was not his fault.

"I have not spoken to him today but he must be feeling awful about calling the lifeboat out a third time. He is not a foolhardy person.

"He is a very, very experienced mariner and although I do not go with him on his long trips, it is not because he is not safe."