124494: Fishery Protection Vessel Vaila

HMS Acacia (T02) was a Tree Class Naval Trawler built in Ardrossan and launched in 1940. She served in the Second World War as a Mine Sweeper and took part in the Normandy Landings.

In 1948 she became Fishery Protection Vessel Vaila.

From BBC Scotland Archives

On 6 January 1957, the Fisheries Protection Vessel Vaila ran aground on Eilean Lubhard, 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