Mr. MacLean was one of the nine unfortunate men who were killed when the "Comrie Castle" was torpedoed on March 14th, 1918 in the English Channel off St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, whilst on a voyage from London to New York.

Beached on Horse Tail Bank, despite adverse winds and tides, rough seas and other difficulties, she was refloated and beached in a more sheltered position off Netley.   From there she was again refloated and towed to Portsmouth for repair.