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The intensity of the fire grew and grew, as the did realisation that if the fires reached her cargo of 550 mines there would be a cataclysmic explosion which would destroy Port Napier – and which would also flatten Kyle.

As a result of the growing danger to the town the priority now became to get the burning vessel as far away as possible. The fire could not be extinguished - and would be left to run its full course. Only time would tell how this drama would unfold - and finally end.

Many of the residents of Kyle noticed the fire and general commotion down at the pier and congregated at the dock curious to see what was going on. As they pressed forward to watch the fire – and not knowing the danger they were in, they had to be held back by the local police.

To protect the inhabitants and buildings of the town, frantic arrangements were made for Kyle to be evacuated. Port Napier was cast loose from her moorings and taken in tow from the town by another naval vessel.

Initially, of necessity, she was towed in the direction of the small village of Kyleakin on the other side of Loch Alsh, on Skye. Hurried plans were made for Kyleakin to be evacuated and for the inhabitants of Portree, Skye’s main town, 30 miles to the north to take in the evacuees from Kyleakin.