THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Ulster planes in day long search for Russian trawlermen

From the News Letter, October 18, 1958
On this day in 1958 the News Letter reported that two Shackleton aircraft from Aldergrove failed to locate a lifeboat reported to be adrift from a Russian trawler which had sunk in heavy seas of the rocks of the Shetland IslandsOn this day in 1958 the News Letter reported that two Shackleton aircraft from Aldergrove failed to locate a lifeboat reported to be adrift from a Russian trawler which had sunk in heavy seas of the rocks of the Shetland Islands
On this day in 1958 the News Letter reported that two Shackleton aircraft from Aldergrove failed to locate a lifeboat reported to be adrift from a Russian trawler which had sunk in heavy seas of the rocks of the Shetland Islands

Two Shackleton aircraft from Aldergrove failed to locate a lifeboat reported to be adrift from a Russian trawler which had sunk in heavy seas of the rocks of the Shetland Islands.

Squadron Leader Gerald Beaugeard, of Surrey, captain of the first Shackleton of 120 Squadron which searched an area of 900 square miles off Unst told the News Letter: “We saw the wreck on the rocks. It was really well on the rocks and was being battered by heavy seas.”

He continued: “As our search continued, we sighted what could have been pieces of wood, but when we returned over the spot, we could not find them again for, although there was perfect flying weather, the sea was extremely rough.”

Lerwick lifeboat had picked up three survivors and two bodies during the emergency, but there were no signs of the remainder of the trawler crew which was said to number 25.

Reports that a Russian launch had chased the Lerwick lifeboat after it had picked up the three men were being denied.

Mr P Bruce Laurenson, Lerwick lifeboat secretary told the Press Association: “A Russian launch followed the lifeboat to Baltasound, Unst, where the seamen were landed, but did not pursue it. There appears to have been some misunderstanding of what has been happening.”

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