Buzzfeed Unsolved: The Mysterious Disappearance of Three Lighthouse Keepers

Overview

• Event: Disappearance of three lighthouse keepers from Flannan Isles in Scotland.
• Time Period: December 1900.
• **Main Individuals: **James Ducat, Donald Macarthur, Thomas Marshall, and Joseph Moore (not on the island during the event).

The Flannan Isles

• Also known as the Seven Hunters.
• Located off the western coast of Scotland.
• Known for "magical" effects on sheep, possibly due to local grass.
• Site of a lighthouse built in 1899.

The Lighthouse

• Completed and lit in December 1899.
• Staffed by four keepers, rotating shifts (three on the island at a time).
• Designed to keep the light operational under all circumstances.

The Disappearance

• Date: Around December 15, 1900.
• Discovery: Alert raised after the lighthouse light was not visible to passing ships and there was no response from the island.
• Investigation: Joseph Moore and others found the lighthouse in order, but with no trace of the men.
• Observations:
  • All beds were empty.
  • No fire in the fireplace for days.
  • Clocks stopped.
  • Log from December 13, last notes on 15th.

State of the Island

• East landing in good order; west landing showed signs of damage.
• Missing items: Tackle box contents, mooring ropes, and a life buoy.
• Weather logs noted storms, but no external reports confirmed this.

Theories of Disappearance

1. Accidental Drowning:
   • Potential that large waves swept the men into the sea.
   • Speculation on the impossibility of a 110-foot wave.
2. Psychological Breakdown:
   • Low morale, hallucinations of storms.
   • Possible fight or mental breakdown among the keepers.
3. Alien Abduction:
   • Briefly mentioned as a more fantastical explanation.
4. Supernatural Occurrence:
   • Local legends of water sprites and mysterious birds.
   • Rhyming duels with sprites as part of folklore.

Conclusion

• The mystery remains unsolved.
• Lasting impact on future lighthouse keepers in the area.
• Automating the lighthouse in 1971 ended the need for keepers, but the story endures as a mysterious legend.

Cultural References

• Mentioned interactions with local legends, such as the Blue Men of the Minch.
• Use of humor and pop culture references throughout the discussion.

Reflection

• Encourages the audience to consider mental escapes and imagination during isolation.

These notes summarize the main points from the transcript about the mysterious disappearance of the three lighthouse keepers from the Flannan Isles.