Eilean Mor Lighthouse Disappearance
Three lighthouse keepers vanished without a trace. The clock had stopped. A meal sat uneaten. Two sets of oilskins were missing, one remained. The relief boat found no one. What happened to Thomas Marshall, James Ducat, and Donald MacArthur?
The Flannan Isles lighthouse mystery is one of the sea’s most enduring puzzles—three keepers vanished from an isolated lighthouse in December 1900, leaving behind cryptic clues and no bodies.
The Discovery
According to historical records:
On December 26, 1900:
- The relief vessel Hesperus arrived at Eilean Mor
- No flag flew, no keepers responded
- The lighthouse was dark (unusual—it should be lit)
- Investigation found the station deserted
The Keepers
Three men were missing:
- James Ducat (Principal Keeper)
- Thomas Marshall (Second Assistant)
- Donald MacArthur (Occasional Keeper, substituting)
All were experienced lighthouse men.
What Was Found
Inside the lighthouse:
- The clock had stopped
- A meal was prepared but uneaten
- The beds were unmade
- The log book’s final entry was December 15
The last entry mentioned severe storms.
The Oilskins
A crucial clue:
- Two sets of oilskins were missing
- One set remained on its hook
- This suggested two men went outside
- The third followed without protection
Theories
Giant Wave: A massive wave swept them away while securing equipment.
Gone Mad: One keeper went insane and killed the others (no evidence supports this).
Sea Monster/Supernatural: Popular in fiction but unsupported.
Kidnapped: By foreign vessel (extremely unlikely).
Murder: One killed the others then himself (no bodies found).
The Official Conclusion
The Northern Lighthouse Board determined:
- All three were likely swept away by waves
- Probably while securing landing equipment
- During a severe storm
- Their bodies were taken by the sea
Problems with the Theory
Critics note:
- Why would three experienced keepers go out together?
- Why would one go without oilskins?
- The weather on December 15 wasn’t noted as severe
- Something doesn’t quite fit
The Log Book Mystery
The log entries mentioned:
- Severe winds
- Marshall crying
- Ducat being “quiet”
- All praying
- These entries are suspicious—possibly fabricated later
Cultural Impact
The disappearance inspired:
- Poems (Wilfrid Wilson Gibson’s “Flannan Isle”)
- Films and documentaries
- Doctor Who episode
- Continuing speculation
The Lighthouse Today
Eilean Mor lighthouse:
- Was automated in 1971
- No longer requires keepers
- The mystery remains unsolved
- The island is rarely visited