Wooden paddle steamer Flambeau, built Robert Duncan, Greenock, 1840
180 grt, 80 nrt, 139 x 19 x 10 ft; 80hp engines
Initially provided services in the Clyde to Arran and Rothesay, then
excursions and towing from Liverpool, 1843 on.
From 1847, registered Liverpool, owned S. Howes.
Register closed 1851 when described as "lost", also reported as broken
up in 1851.
[from Liverpool Mercantile Gazette and Myers's Weekly Advertiser - Monday 11
July 1842]:
For SALE, The fine fast going Steamer FLAMBEAU. - From improvements
recently made in the machinery, her speed has been increased, and she
is in first rate order. Apply to Caird & Co., Greenock, 21st April, 1842.
[from Liverpool Albion - Monday 28 August 1843]:
STEAMER FLAMBEAU. We, the undersigned were Cabin Passengers on board the
steam-ship FLAMBEAU, commanded by Captain Kemp, from Liverpool to
Bangor, on Thursday, the 24th instant, and we hereby bear testimony to
the superior sailing qualities of the ship, she being amongst the
swiftest of her class, and having less motion than any boat we have
ever known. ... Some later letters question the safety level aboard a
tug used for excursions.
Sank 19 December 1847, after collision in River Mersey with Woodside
ferry WIRRAL, off Canning Dock, while
seeking a tow. The Inquiry held that the master of WIRRAL was at fault
for not keeping a proper lookout from the bridge between the
paddle-boxes.
Wirral was an iron paddle steamer built Lairds 1846, owned
Birkenhead Commissioners, 192grt, 111nrt, 109 x 21 x 11 ft, 60hp
From Liverpool Standard. January 2, 1848.
THE LATE COLLISION IN THE RIVER MERSEY. - The most active efforts have
been used by the owners of the Flambeau to raise her, but so far
without success. During the operations on Sunday, one of the chains
under the steamer snapped, and her stern part dropped suddenly (quite
a dead weight) into the bed of the river, thereby causing a jerk upon
the bow and fore part, which immediately separated those parts of the
vessel from the other, from the bow to the paddle beams, a length of
about 30 feet. That effort was therefore fruitless, and the
destruction of the vessel seemed inevitable. The fore deck, part of
the bow, the cabin stools and tables, bulkheads, etc., were soon
floating in the river, and were picked up and secured. The owners now
consider it doubtful whether the vessel will ever be raised. She is
lying on the outside of Pluckington Bank, opposite the Albert Dock, in
a depth of four fathoms at low water, and is fast filling with sand
and mud. We learn that, today at low water, a diver is going down to
take a survey of her present position, and see if there be any further
chance of raising her; and if not, to ascertain whether it is likely
she may be a permanent obstruction to the navigation of the river if
she remains as at present. Should she be abandoned by the owners, we
have heard it intimated that it is probable the corporation will
endeavour to remove her by blowing her up. The value of the vessel is
estimated £3,000, and the cost already incurred in the endeavour to
raise her at between £300 and 400. It is said that the cause of the accident is
likely to furnish materials for the lawyers.
From Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser - Tuesday 14 November 1848
THE STEAMER WIRRALL. - This Woodside steamer was brought to auction
on Friday, by order of the High Court of Admiralty for running down the "Flambeau" - and
was sold for £3,250. But the ratepayers of Birkenhead will be glad to learn
that she has been purchased by Messrs I. H. Hind and Co., with the
view of hiring her to the Birkenhead Commissioners, at a reasonable
rate per diem, until the commissioners are in a position to reimburse
to them the bare purchase money, when the boat will again become
township property. She was almost a new, and a very favourite boat,
and had cost nearly £7,000.