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The remote desolation and submerged rocks of Gable End Islet hold no attraction for passing ships, and the replacement of the old gas lighting system by a battery-operated unit was carried out by helicopter operation under the direction of the Ministry of Works.
The stark islet posed a tricky landing problem

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The treacherous strait looks deceptively calm

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The islet from the beach

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Scene of the operation

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Approach

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Pick-up

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Take-off

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The imposing height of Gable End Foreland

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The escarpment facing seaward

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A rock spire frames the islet

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An old iron pot from whaling days still lies on the beach

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Helicopter pilot, Mr F. Mettner, and Mr P. G. McDonald, M.O.W., at the end of the day's work.