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Eilean Mor Lighthouse Disappearance
Three lighthouse keepers vanished from a remote Scottish island. The clock had stopped. A meal sat uneaten. Two sets of oilskins were missing, one remained. The lighthouse door was locked from inside.
December 1900
Flannan Isles, Scotland
0 The Eilean Mor disappearance is one of maritime history’s greatest mysteries.
The Discovery
According to historical records:
On December 26, 1900:
- Relief ship Hesperus arrived
- No keeper at landing
- No response to signals
- Captain sent men ashore
- Found lighthouse abandoned
The Scene
Inside the lighthouse:
- Clock had stopped
- Meal sat uneaten
- Beds unmade
- Log entries ended December 15
- Two oilskins missing, one remained
The Keepers
The missing men:
- Thomas Marshall (Head Keeper)
- James Ducat (Assistant)
- Donald MacArthur (Second Assistant)
- Experienced lighthouse men
- Vanished without trace
The Last Logs
Marshall’s entries noted:
- Severe storms
- Men unusually quiet
- “God is over all”
- Final entry routine
- No indication of trouble
The Mystery
Strange aspects:
- Why would two go out in storm?
- Third man left oilskins
- Gate and door secured
- No bodies ever found
- Equipment undamaged