H.M. Coastguard Fort William Sector

Fort William Sector

Fort William Sector covers from the Argyll/Highland border in the south to the Southern shore of Loch Hourn in the north and encompasses the small Isles- Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck. The sector continues inland to Fort Augustus, (Loch Ness).

The sector has many different types of terrain. High cliffs, rocky and sandy shorelines, peat bog, mountains, sea & fresh water lochs, canals and some mud. There are many anchorage's and of course the Port of Mallaig, one of the busiest in the UK.

There are over 800 miles of coastline and over 200 miles of inland waters.

Coastguard Rescue Teams are situated at Fort William, Mallaig, Kilchoan, Lochaline, Salen, Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck. Most mainland teams have 4X4 vehicles to allow them to get to the most remote parts of the sector.

We are assisted by RNLI all weather Lifeboats stationed at Oban, Tobermory and Mallaig we can also call on our own Coastguard helicopter, (Rescue 100), based at Stornoway, the Navy helicopter, (Rescue 177), based at Prestwick or the RAF helicopter, (Rescue 137), based at Lossiemouth.

There is a Coastguard Patrol craft based just outside Oban. This vessel is capable of 40 knots and carries out many functions such as vessel inspections and surveys and often plays an enforcement role.