This covers sailing vessels built in Morecambe Bay: at Fleetwood, Glasson, Skerton, Lancaster, Morecambe, Arnside, Ulverston, Greenodd, Barrow. Also the adjacent Duddon estuary: Millom, Borwick Rails, ... Dates to 1860. [under construction]
See also:
Early steam vessels in NW England;
Steam vessels built at Preston;
Sailing vessels built in the Ribble;
Steam Vessels built Liverpool and the Mersey;
Sailing Vessels built Liverpool and the Mersey;
Steam Vessels built in the Dee Estuary;
Sailing Vessels built in the Dee Estuary and N Wales.
MDHB wreck listings
Fleetwood built:
Schooners built Hugh Singleton, at Denhams Bank, Fleetwood, for
Samuel Hope & Co., who was a Fleetwood coal merchant
Wyre 1855;
Fleetwood 1856;
Fylde 1857;
Built by Gibson
and Butcher, Fleetwood, from 1857-1861, mainly wooden fishing vessels,
reported as launched at midnight, since railway line was crossed from yard to river.
Surprise 1857;
Ellen & Ann 1858;
Cygnet 1859;
...
Then sailing vessels (schooners) built by John
Gibson, Fleetwood, from 1862-1876. Yard reported as near where
RNLI is today.
Richard Warbrick 1862;
Sarah Ann Dickinson 1863;
Useful 1864;
Elizabeth & Ann 1865;
...
Greenodd built:
Victoria 1838;
New Thomas 1840;
Margaret 1848;
Providence 1848;
Ann Rennison 1849;
Ant 1849?;
Edward & Margaret 1851;
...
Barrow built:
Built by William
and Richard Ashburner, Hindpool, Barrow, 1852-84.
Jane Roper 1852;
Tom Roper 1857;
Champion 1858;
Gratitude 1858;
Ebenezer 1859;
Lord Muncaster 1859;
Mary Jane 1860;
...
Built by Rawlinson
and Reay, Hindpool, Barrow. Rawlinson was a shipowner, Reay was a shipwright.
Gummershow 1857;
Elizabeth Ann 1858;
Joseph 1859;
...
Duddon estuary built (Millom, Borwick Rails, ...)
Built William Thomas, of Amlwch, who managed
a shipyard at Borwick Rails, Millom. More
history
Nellie Bywater 1873:
Countess of Lonsdale 1878,
...
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Fleetwood built:
Wooden schooner Wyre, built Hugh Singleton for Hope & Co, Fleetwood, 1855, 65 tons, ON17204. Registered Fleetwood 1855, 80 tons. In MNL to 1918. Owned Annagassan to 1917, then at Liverpool. More history. Voyage Whitehaven to Annagassan, with coal, departing 4 September 1918, posted missing.
[from Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 29 February 1868]:
Sail.... THE Schooner "WYRE", of Fleetwood, 71 tons register. She is
well-formed, and in very good condition. For particulars apply to
Samuel Hope, Coal Agent, Fleetwood.
[from Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 22 November 1918]:
Posted missing: Schooner Wyre of Fleetwood (Jones, master), which left Whitehaven with
coal for Annagassan, Dundalk Bay, Sept. 4, and has not been heard of
since.
Another report:
Having traded for 60 years, she was laid up
during World War One by her owner John Hoey of Annagassan, Co.Louth.
He sold her in 1918 to John T. Miller of Liverpool and in the winter
of that year she left Whitehaven for Annagassan with coal just after
the schooner Lucie also bound for Annagassan. A storm arose and during
the night, when the Lucie was off Carlingford Lough, her crew saw the
lights of the Wyre some miles to seaward. It was the last seen of her.
The wind was easterly and it was thought she foundered off the South
Down coast.
Wooden schooner Fleetwood, built Hugh Singleton for Hope & Co, Fleetwood, 1856. ON22659. Registered Fleetwood, 1856, 68 tons. Voyage Fleetwood to Ardrossan, in ballast, aground on Killard Rocks, near Strangford Lough, and wrecked, 21 February 1858. Crew of 4 saved.
[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 15 March 1856]:
FLEETWOOD. LAUNCH. On Friday, the 7th inst., a new Schooner was
launched from the building yard of Messrs. S. Hope and Co., near
Denham's Bank. She was built under the superintendence of Mr. Hugh
Singleton, to whom praise is given for the efficient and workman-like
abiltites displayed by him. The vessel is substantially put together,
and is built principally of larch, and bound with iron knees. She is
intended for the pig iron trade between this Port and Ardrossan. Her
dimensions are as follow: Length of keel, 67 feet; length of beam, 18
feet; depth of hold, 8.5 feet; and she will register 68 tons new
measurement. She is round sterned, and has a female bust figure-bead.
This is the second vessel that has been built at this yard for the
same proprietory during the last two years.
.... Named "The Fleetwood" ...
[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser
- Thursday 25 February 1858]:
STRANGFORD. Feb. 21. At about 5 o'clock this morning, during a heavy gale at
SE, the schooner Fleetwood, Parkinson, of and from Fleetwood for
Ardrossan (ballast), struck on Killard Rocks, a short distance to the
westward of the south-west entrance to this lough; she get broadside
on, and the crew, four in number, providentially saved themselves by
dropping from the masts on the rocks, when the vessel canted inshore,
and in a short time she broke up. Had the tide not been high, at the
time, the crew must have perished, as the rocks are almost
perpendicular where the vessel was wrecked. The Coast-guard
belonging to Killard station are in attendance.
Wooden schooner Fylde, built Hugh Singleton for Hope & Co, Fleetwood, 1857. ON19292. Registered Fleetwood 1857, 51 tons, by 1864 registered Lancaster. In MNL to 1870, owned James Allport, for Midland Railway, 52 tons. From 1863, used as Morecambe lightship [owned Midland Railway, to mark channel into Morecambe], driven ashore 1894. More details.
[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 27 June 1857]:
SHIP LAUNCH. - On Tuesday last, a schooner was launched from the
building yard near Denham's Bank. Her descent into the water was most
satisfactory, and was lustily hailed by the plaudits of the numerous
spectators. The vessel had all her masts, yards, and rigging
previously fitted, and at the time of the launch was gaily decorated
with flags. The graceful task of christening her was assigned to Miss.
Lancaster, of Fleetwood, one of the owners, who, whilst the schooner
was gilding smoothly down the declivity into her native element,
dashed a bottle of champagne against her prow, and wished success to
the "Fylde", of Fleetwood. The Fylde is fifty one tons register, and
is round sterned; she is the third vessel launched from the above
yard, for the same proprietors. The first was named the Wyre,
seventy one tons register, launched in Janunry, 1855; the second,
Fleetwood, sixty-eight tons register. launched In March, 1856; and
the third, the Fylde, whose completion we have just noticed. They were
all built under the superintendence of Mr. Hugh Singleton.
[from Preston Chronicle - Wednesday 21 May 1862]:
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, ...
Fleetwood, on Monday, the 26th of May, 2, at three o'clock
in the afternoon, in lots: SHARES in the following VESSELS,
namely:-
One-sixteenth share in the schooner "Wyre," of Fleetwood,
John Myerscough, master. Registered to carry 71 tons.
One-sixteenth share in the schooner "Fylde," of Fleetwood,
William Winder, master. Registered to carry 51 tons.
One-eighth share in the schooner
"Nanny and Betty," of Fleetwood; W. A. Waites, master. Registered
to carry 47 tons. [Info]
[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Friday 27 June 1862]:
Brunswick Dock. Fylde 51 Winder, Barnes, Ellesmere.
[Fylde, Winder, to Dec 1862]
[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 21 February 1863]:
LANCASTER. New Lighship. - The Screw Pile Lighthouse on Clark's Wharf,
in Morecambe Bay, having been destroyed in the gale on the 20th ult.,
a lightship has been substituted, and is now moored in mid channel
leading up to Morecambe Harbour, in four fathoms low water of ordinary
spring tides, the compass bearings of which lightship are,- Walney
Light, N.W. 3/4 W., distance, 6.5 miles; Wyre Light, S.W. by S., 4.5 miles;
Morecambe Harbour Pier Head Light, E. 3/4 N., 5.5 miles. This lightship
is painted red, with "Morecambe" in large white letters on her side,
has one mast, with circular beacon, and exhibits a red light between
sunset and sunrise. During foggy weather or snow, a bell will be
struck three times every minute.
[from Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser and General Intelligencer - Thursday 10 December 1863]:
Storm.... The loss of life and the damage done to shipping is immense, and as
an indication of the former we are sorry to learn that five bodies
were washed up on the beach, on Friday last, on the Morecambe side of
Morecambe Bay, and that two men were washed off the light-ship moored
in the bay, and were drowned.
[from Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 16 February 1894]:
The driving ashore of a lightship is one of the most impressive indications,
that we have yet had, of the violence of the storm that has just swept
over us. This, however, has been the case this week, when the
Morecambe lightship broke from her moorings. This lightship is what
was once known as the old "Fylde" - which was one of the first ships built
at Fleetwood, the builder being Mr. Hugh Singleton, senr. During her
four hours' buffeting in the darkness of the night, the vessel's bottom
was seriously damaged. She was driven broadside on to the beach, close
to the Battery Inn, Morecambe.
Wooden smack Surprise, built Gibson & Butcher, Fleetwood, 1857. Registered Fleetwood 1857, 30 tons. ON22663. For fishing. In 1865 owned Richard Leadbetter, Fleetwood. Same owner 1894, now yawl of 25 tons. 21-22 December 1894 foundered with all 4 crew lost, in a storm in Morecambe Bay. Wreckage found at Norbreck (north of Bispham).
[from Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 26 June 1857]:
On the same evening at midnight might be seen busy preparations for
the launch of a new fishing smack, of 50 tuns burden, built by Messrs.
Gibson and Butcher, and her debut upon the briny deep was made by
star-light, because she had to be launched across the pier, and the
railway traffic could not be intercepted in the day time. The novelty
of the hour, the distance of the slide, and at the end of it, a fall of
several feet into the water, kept a large concourse of persons out of
their beds to witness it. A little after the hour named, the word was
given, and the well modelled craft moved gently down the greasy slide
and fell off into the water in safety, Mr. James Noblett having
meantime performed the operation of christening her "the Surprise,"
with all due honours. The owner of the new smack is a Mr. Wilson,
North Meols, and she will make the 22nd deep sea fishing boat
belonging to the station. [The Preston Chronicle names her, Secret,
owned Leadbetter]
[from Weekly Dispatch (London) - Sunday 30 December 1894]:
FISHING BOATS FOUNDERED. Two Fleetwood fishing boats, the Mayflower
and the Surprise, have been lost with all hands. The former has been
washed up near Bispham. The mast of the latter has been found in Morecambe Bay.
The captain of the Petrel was washed overboard and drowned. The
lightship was brought into port, being unable to stand the strain.
[4 lost on Mayflower and 4 on Surprise, 1 on Petrel]
[from Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 26 December 1894]:
NINE MEN DROWNED. On Monday evening, distinct evidence of the loss of the
Fleetwood fishing smack Surprise were picked up on the shore at Norbreck,
near Blackpool. These were part of the stern boards bearing the top part
of the word, Surprise, also a
portion ot the punt, the binnacle, part of a sail, an oar, &c.
The crew are now given up as lost. There names are as follows:
Wm. Baxter, skipper, married.
Wm. Lynch. John Enright. Sam. Nicholls.
The last three are all young men. A search pary went to Blackpool on
Tuesday afternoon, and walked home along the shore with the bope of
finding traces either of the men or boats. ...
Wooden smack Ellen & Ann, built Gibson & Butcher, Fleetwood, 1858, 34 tons, ON20853, registered Fleetwood 1858, 34 tons, for fishing. Then registered Liverpool, and registered Douglas 2/1891, owned Thomas Evans, New Brighton, then owned by her master, John Eccles, Hoylake, 24 tons. Douglas register. Lost off Southport with all 5 crew, 22 December 1894 [same storm as sank Surprise, above].
[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 05 June 1858]:
FLEETWOOD LAUNCH. - A fishing smack was launched from the
building yard of Messrs. Gibson and Butcher, shipwrights, Fleetwood,
near midnight on Thursday the 27th ult. The chief peculiarity of
this launch was that the operation had to be effected across the
railway, a distance of about 120 feet, .... named Ellen and Ann, upwards
of 58 tons o.m., owned Mrs Blundell of Southport and Mr Thomas Wright,
fisherman, of Fleetwood. ....
[from Liverpool Mercury - Thursday 27 December 1894]:
THE LOSS OF HOYLAKE FISHING BOATS. INQUEST AT SOUTHPORT. Mr. S.
Brighouse opened yesterday, at the George Hotel, Southport, an
inquest on the bodies of three of the crew of the Ellen and Ann
fishing trawl, of Hoylake, which foundered of Southport on Saturday.
The crew consisted of John Eccles (master), Joseph Sherlock (mate),
Edwin Eccles, Joseph Rainford, and John Eccles, jun. The bodies of
Sherlock, who was 50 years of age, Rainford about 17, and John Ecdes,
jun about 15 had been recovered, while the body of Edwin Eccles was
left on the Horse Bank, as the advancing tide left the search party no
option if they were to save themselves. John Rainford, fisherman, 20,
Dawson-street, Hoylake, identified the body of Joseph Sherlock as that of
his stepfather. He last saw deceased alive nearly a month ago when
witness went out in another boat fishing on the Christmas trip.
Deceased had not been back to Hoylake since, the custom being to land
the fish at the nearest port for transit to Liverpool, and return to
the fishing ground. Witness had heard that the Ellen and Ann was
off the Great Ormeshead last Thursday, but it might be difficult to
find on shore the crew who last saw the Ellen and Ann. The last
tidings witness had of the Ellen and Ann was that a tugboat saw the
trawl on Saturday morning, with her canvas gone and trying to anchor
in the Lytham Channel He believed the Ellen and Ann would be found on
one of the Southport banks. None of the search party had yet seen the
body of John Eccles, sen.
Wooden smack Cygnet, built Gibson & Butcher, Fleetwood, 1858, ON27312, registered Fleetwood 7/1859, 35 tons, for fishing, in MNL to 1904, owned William Moss, Fleetwood, 23 tons. Last report is lying at Ramsey Harbour 1904.
[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 01 October 1859]:
FLEETWOOD. LAUNCH. - On Tuesday last about mid-day a fine fishing Smack of
about 50 tons register, was launched from the building yard of
Messrs. Gibson and Butcher. The launch had to be effected across the
railway and over the pierhead, and was very skilfully and
satisfactorily accomplishd. The new craft is the called Cygnet, she is a fine model,
and is likely to be a fast sailer.
[from Lancashire Evening Post - Tuesday 21 August 1900]:
SALE BY TENDER. IN BANKRUPTCY. Re B. Thomas. TENDERS are invited
for the purchase of the Fishing Smack Cygnet, now lying near the
Jubilee Pier, Fleetwood; registered tonnage 35; 51ft. keel; 16ft.beam;
with all stores, list which will be forwarded upon application: the
highest of any tender not neccessarily accepted; ...
[from Preston Herald - Wednesday 18 May 1904]:
Fleetwood Fishermen Steal an Anchor. At Ramsey, on Monday, Robert
Cowell Sumner and James Ager, two fishermen from Fleetwood, went to
gaol for seven days for stealing an anchor belonging to the trawler
Cygnet, lying in Ramsey Harbour.
Wooden schooner Richard Warbrick, built Gibson, Fleetwood, 1862. Registered Fleetwood 1862, 20 tons, ON45342. In MNL to 1882, when owned John Bradshaw, Liverpool, 107 tons. Voyage Runcorn to Plymouth, with coal, struck Sevenstones, 30 January 1882, abandoned, sank. Crew of 5 took to boat - 4 survived after several days in an open boat.. More history.
[from Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 31 October 1862]:
LAUNCH OF THE SCHOONER, RICHD. WARBRICK, OF FLEETWOOD. We are glad to
be able to record that another and very handsome addition has been
made to the fleet of coasting vessels attached to this port, by the
launching of as substantial and pretty a schooner as ever left the
ways. The Richard Warbrick, the name of the vessel alluded to, has
been built by Mr. John Gibson, of this town, for a party of gentlemen,
chiefly we believe residents of Fleetwood. She was commenced about
April last, and before the expiration of October she is in sea-going
trim, with the exception of her rigging, which is now being rapidly
supplied. Her registered tonnage is 175 tons old, and 120 tons new
builders' measurement. Her length of keel is 85 feet; her breadth,
21ft. 4in.; depth of hold, 12ft. She is classed A 1 at Lloyd's for
nine years. Her figurehead is a bust of Master Richard Warbrick, only
son of Mr. R. Warbrick, of Dock-street, one of the owners whose name
she bears. It was carved at the establishment of Mr. Carmichael, of
Workington, and is esteemed as an excellent likeness. The builder, Mr.
Gibson, has been exceedingly careful in the selection of the timber
(principally English oak) of which the vessel is composed, and a
frequent inspection of her during the last few months has convinced us
that a schooner stronger built or better calculated for the trade in
which she will be engaged, was never placed upon the stocks. Her
interior fittings are plain, but as substantial as her outward build.
Her lamps, which are exceedingly strong and of elegant design. have
been supplied by Mr. Walker, of Birmingham. Captain John Dennison, now
master of the Countess of Morley, the property of Mr. Gibson, and who
bears the reputation ot being an excellent seaman, is to be captain of
the new vessel, and he enters upon his duties at once. ...
[from Lancaster Gazette - Saturday 15 April 1882]:
THE WRECK OF THE RICHARD WARBRICK. Terrible sufferings of the crew.
The captain and three of the survivors of the schooner Richard
Warbrick, of Fleetwood, were landed at Plymouth on Monday evening. The
vessel left Runcorn on January 25th with coals for Plymouth, and,
after beating about a few days in the St. George's Channel, was
obliged to run for shelter for a couple of days to a neighbouring
port. On January 30th she was put to sea, and again met with strong
gales. At dusk, owing to thick rain and strong winds, she struck on
the Sevenstones. The accident was due to the ship having become
ungovernable, the compass having for some time failed to act. The
schooner after striking, cleared, but began rapidly to sink in deep
water. The ship's boat was immediately lowered, and by the time the
crew had taken their positions, the schooner was nearly down to the
water's edge, and had altogether disappeared five minutes after being
abandoned. The men wbo got in the boat were Captain Osborne, of Fowey;
Michael Daly and Alexander Burke, of Liverpool; William Parsons, of
Guernsey; and Henry Pearce, of Exeter [sic, William Pearce in another
report]. Not one of these had been able to carry from the ship more
than he stood upright in, and no food or drink of any sort. The sea
was running heavily. The captain first lashed the boat's bottom boards
to the painter, and thus succeeded in keeping her head to sea, and
from the Monday until the following Friday night, the men remained
thus destitute upon the open sea. During the first three days the
wind blew strongly from the southeast, and although ships were seen,
the boat lay so low in the water, and the distance was always so
great, that it was impossible to make signals. The sufferings of the
men were terrible. On the second day Burke became very ill from
exhaustion, and his thirst was so intense that he insisted upon
drinking the salt water. The day following he became delirious, and
jumped overboard, but was promptly rescued. Later in the day a keg of
salt butter was picked up, and was ravenously attacked, but it had the
effect of intensifying the thirst of the crew. With the knife which
was used to open it Burke attempted to stab the captain, but was held
down by his companions. From that time he gradually sank, and on the
Thursday morning the men, on going to rouse him, found that he had
died during the night. The men knelt in the bottom of the boat and
ofrered up a prayer for the dead man and themselves, and then threw
the corpse overboard. In the meantime Parsons and Daly were seized
with insatiable thirst, and drank copiously of the salt water, despite
the protests of the captain and Pearce, who preserved wonderful
restraint. On the Thursday a calm set in, followed by a gentle
brerze, and the crew, who were too weak too pull, succeeded in rigging
a sail by attaching their oilskins to a piece of a paddle. They
steered for what they believed to be the Irish coast. On Friday
evening the Austrian barque, Orad Karlovo [sic. Grad Karlovak in
another report], bore down on them. The poor fellows were overwhelmed
with joy, but were so worn out that they had to be assisted up the
side. The barque was on the passage to Jamaica. Her captain treated
the rescued men with exceeding kindness, but it was some days before
some were sufficiently restored to stand. They were subsequently
transferred to the West India mail steamer Para, and were landed from
her on her arrival at Plymouth on Monday night. The men will be
forwarded to their homes by Mr. Hopkins, the local agent of the
Shipwrecked Mariners' Society.
Wooden schooner Sarah Ann Dickinson, built Gibson, Fleetwood, 1863. ON45344. Registered Fleetwood 1863, 118 tons. In MNL to 1879, owned Richard Swarbrick, Fleetwood, 103 tons. Voyage Belfast to Ardrossan, in ballast, aground on Eagle Craig, entering Ardrossan, and wrecked, 4 February 1879, crew saved.
[from
Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 16 October 1863]:
LAUNCH OF A NEW SCHOONER AT FLEETWOOD. On Tuesday morning a fine new
schooner was launched from the building yard of Mr. John Gibson, in
this town. Her dimensions are as follows: length, 83ft.; breadth,
21ft. 8in; depth, 11ft; measurement, 180 tons o.m.; register tonnage
118; burthen 220 tons. She is owned by gentlemen and tradesmen in
Fleetwood and neighbourhood. The ceremony of christening the new craft
was performed by Alice Warbrick, second daughter of Mr. Richard
Warbrick, one of the owners and the ship's-husband. ...
[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Tuesday 11 February 1879]:
Report of Robert Smith, Master of the schooner Sarah Ann Dickinson,
of Fleetwood, 102 tons, from Belfast on Feb. 3 (at 1 P.M.) for
Ardrossan (in sand ballast):
Proceeded with a fair wind, and all went
right till we were abreast of Turnberry Light, at 7 P.M. about seven
or eight miles distant. We steered then N.E. by N. 1/2 N., and held on
that course till we could make out the shore lights of Ardrossan. We
occasionally hauled round to the N. We did not make out Troon Light at
all. I saw light at about 10 30 p.m. bearing about E. by N. about three
miles off, which I took to be the leading light for Harbour. I steered
for this light for about 10 minutes, when I discovered it was not the
leading light, and knew from the look of the land I was on the wrong
course. I knew the coast very well. I immediately hauled the vessel to
the W. I kept her as far off as she would go for about 10 minutes. At 11
p.m., tide quarter of an hour ebb, weather clear wind S.S.W., strong
breeze, with an ordinary sea from S.S.W., the vessel struck on Eagle
Craig, Ardrossan, and remained fast. We made no signals for help. We
saw no signals made from the shore to warn us off. Just as we struck,
two boats came up to our assistance. One boat went right past us, and
one man from the other boat came aboard. Just as we struck I made out
the leading harbour light, and 10 minutes after the tugboat came out
to us. We gave her a hawser, but though she tried every way, she could
not get us off. She could not come alongside. We could not then launch our
own boat. The Rocket and Mortar Company sent a rocket to us, which did
not reach us. Afterwards the lifeboat came out to us and took us all
off and landed us at Ardrossan Pier about 1 p.m. on Feb.5. Ardrossan.
Feb. 5.
Wooden schooner Useful, built Gibson, Fleetwood, 1864. ON45345. Registered Fleetwood, 1864, 58 tons. In MNL to 1910, when owned A Hamilton, Annalong, 48 tons. Voyage Annalong to Belfast, with stones, driven ashore at Ballyquintin Point, 27 December, 1909, crew saved.
[from Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 19 August 1864]:
LAUNCH OF A NEW SCHOONER AT FLEETWOOD. The interesting ceremony of
launching a vessel from the shipbuilding yard of Mr. John Gibson took
place on Wednesday, the 17th inst. The morning was fine, and shortly
after ten o'clock a large number of spectators began to assemble at all the
various points where a view of the launch could be obtained. At 10-45
a.m., all the wedges having been driven home, Dr. Orr led his
stepdaughter - Miss Ramsay - to the bow of the schooner, and having
placed in her hands a bottle of champagne which had been suspended for
the purpose, the little lady dashed it against the vessel with great
spirit, exclaiming "I hereby name this vessel the Useful"; at the same
moment the vessel was released and gracefully glided down the ways,
stern formost, to her future home in the watery element. This vessel
was launched fully rigged, and as she entered the deep, her flag and
sails were unfurled. and under the management of her captain, Mr.
William Hesketh (late of the Countess of Morley) and the crew, the
Useful began cruising about the harbour, the spectators testitying
their gratification by repeated cheers. The keel of the Useful was
laid about 7 months ago, and she is the third vessel launched from Mr
Gibson's yard. Her dimensions are: length 71ft 6in; breadth, 18ft
4in; 108 tons, o.m., 58 tons n.m. She is full-schooner rigged, of
good proportions, and designed for the general coasting trade, and we
believe will be jointly owned by Messrs. Munro and Co.
[from Newry Telegraph - Saturday 29 January 1910]:
WRECKED FROM ANNALONG TO BELFAST. During the height of the gale on the
night of the 27th last, the schooner, Useful, of Fleetwood, bound from
Annalong for Belfast with stones, went ashore at Ballyquintin Point,
the scene of many a distaster during the past few years. The vessel
carried a crew of four hands, who had a very perilous experience
before being rescued. Signals of distress were sent up, and were
observed early yesterday morning by the coastguards of Tara, who
telephoned to Cloughey that a vessel was in danger near the entrance
to Strangord Lough. The Cloughey lifeboat crew put off in a
snowstorm, but, in the meantime, the shipwrecked men had come ashore
in their own boat, and landed at Cloughey in an exhausted condition,
from exposure to cold. The vessel will become a total wreck and is
already going to pieces. She was in charge of Captain Joseph M'Kibbin
of Annalong.
Wooden schooner Elizabeth & Ann, built John Gibson, Fleetwood, 1865. ON45348. Registered Fleetwood 1865, 140tons. By 1890 registered Ardrossan. In MNL to 1903, owned John Nicol, Ardrossan, 99 tons. Voyage Kenmare to Clyde, in ballast, 26 February 1903, driven ashore near Kenmare, crew saved. Reported in Irish sources as wrecked near Parknasilla Hotel, about 11 miles from Kenmare.
[from The Scotsman - Saturday 07 March 1903]:
ARDROSSAN SCHOONER WRECKED. Intelligence has reached Ardrossan
that the schooner Elizabeth and Ann, of Ardrossan, has been
wrecked about sixteen miles off the coast of Kenmare (Ireland). The
schooner had discharged a cargo of coal at Kenmare , and was returning
to the Clyde when the disaster occurred. A gale sprang up, and
the master immediately steered for the coast, intending to remain
in shelter of the neighbouring hills until the gale ceased.
Unfortunately he lost control of the schooner, and it was blown
onto the rocks, and became a total wreck. The crew were all saved.
The schooner was not insured. [Captain Sharpe, wrecked early March]
[from
Kerry Evening Post - Wednesday 04 March 1903]:
COAL SCHOONER LOST IN KENMARE BAY, Kenmare, Sunday. During the storm
on Thursday night, the schooner Elizabeth Ann [sic] of Glasgow [sic], parted with her anchors in
Kenmare Bay, and was wrecked on the rocks near Parknasilla Hotel. The crew of five
were all saved. The Elizabeth Ann was after discharging a cargo of coals at Kenmare,
and left for Caernarvon [sic] a few daya ago in ballast.
Main index
Greenodd built:
Early shipbuilding was by Winder, then Richard Ashburner - who moved to Barrow around 1850 -
and sold his yard to Samuel Schollick, who in turn also moved to Barrow later.
In 1857 a railway viaduct was built across the Leven, below Greenodd. Although this
was built with an opening section, this retricted access to Greenodd. By 1869
a rail link
from Greenodd was built - so the railway bridge remained down.
Wooden schooner Victoria, built Winder, Greenodd, 1838. ON1260, registered Liverpool, 1838, 52 tons, in MNL to 1872, owned A J Woodhouse, Barrow, 40 tons, then 1873 registered Barrow, to 1879, same owner.
[from Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser and General Intelligencer - Thursday 30 April 1868]:
It was ascertained that the unfortunate deceased Captain Holmes, of
the schooner Victoria, of Barrow. He sailed from Barrow on Monday
morning, and it is supposed that on the arrival of his vessel at
Birkenhead, he landed, and walked across the railway lines. Being rather deaf,
it is supposed a train of trucks came upon him unawares. Deceased was about 37
years of age.
Wooden schooner New Thomas, built Mrs Winder, Greenodd, 1840. ON 1623, registered Liverpool, 30/1840, 48 tons. Later registered Lancaster. In MNL to 1869, owned George Porter, Barrow, 37 tons. Voyage Barrow to Dittonbrook [Widnes], with iron ore, aground, south end of Walney, 21 October 1868, and wrecked.
[from Kendal Mercury - Saturday 01 February 1840]:
Launch. A schooner was launched on the 30th inst., from the building-yard of
Mrs Winder, of Greenodd, near Ulverston, for the Liverpool trade; Mr
John Bailiff to be master. She is of the value £1000. Being launched when
the tide was out, she has not rode upon her future element.
[from Kendal Mercury - Saturday 07 November 1840]:
Port of Lancaster. Sailed. New Thomas, Bailiff, Ulverston, gen. cargo.
[from
Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 25 July 1868]:
Sale of ship shares..... 2-64ths Schooner New Thomas 70,... James Fisher, Barrow.
[from Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 18 July 1868]:
Barrow. Sailed. 18th ... New Thomas, Bispham, Saltney, ....
[from
Ulverston Mirror and Furness Reflector - Saturday 31 October 1868]:
The schooner New Thomas, of Barrow, which
sailed from Barrow for Dittonbrook on the 21st inst., with a cargo of iron ore,
met with a serious casualty. When she left the harbour, she was sailing against a strong
head wind, so she made back for Piel, and in so doing, went on shore near
Walney Lighthouse, and has since broken up.
[from
Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser and General Intelligencer - Thursday 29 October 1868]:
WRECKS AND CASUALTIES..... The brigantine Leo, which is on shore at
the south end of Walney, is breaking up, her deck having been nearly
all washed off, and it is feared, unless the weather takes up, she
will become a total wreck. Part of her cargo of pig iron has been
saved. She is the property of Messrs. J. Fisher and Co.
The
schooner New Thomas, which went on shore at the same place, is
breaking up and will become a total wreck. The crews of both
last-named vessels were saved.
Wooden schooner Margaret, built Richard Ashburner, Greenodd, 1848. Registered Lancaster 2/1848, 86 tons. LR1850: Margaret, Schooner, 86 tons, built Ulverston [sic] 1848, owned T Roper, Ulverston, master Bond. In LR to 1862, unchanged information, except: smack. Voyages found to December 1856 with master Bond.
[from Cumberland Pacquet and Ware's Whitehaven Advertiser - Tuesday 15 February 1848]:
A very handsome schooner was yesterday week launched from the
building-yard of Mr Richard Ashburner, at Greenodd, near Ulverston, burthen 130 tons.
The vessel was built for Messrs Roper & Co .... received the name Margaret ...
FV Providence, built Richard Ashburner, Greenodd, 1848. Registered Preston 1848, 24 tons, then later Fleetwood, 24 tons, owned Thomas Leadbetter, Fleetwood. In MNL to 1878 when owned Benjamin Holt, Fleetwood, 25 tons.
[from Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser and General Intelligencer - Thursday 19 October 1848]:
GREENODD. SHIP LAUNCH. - A new vessel called "The Providence", was launched from the
building-yard of Mr. Richard Ashburner, at this place, on Thursday
last.
Wooden schooner Ann Rennison, built Richard Ashburner, Grenodd, 1849. In LR1851, 113 tons, owned Hall & Co, Ulverston. Voyage Barrow to Newport, with iron ore, partly disabled by storm off Holyhead, then aground, 28 October 1852, on Scarweather Sands, off Porthcawl, crew saved.
[from Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser and General Intelligencer - Thursday 20 September 1849]:
SHIP LAUNCH AT GREENOOD. A new and splendid vessel was launched to its future
element, amidst mirth and music, at Greenodd on Tuesday last. It was
built by Mr. Richard Ashburner, ship builder of Greenodd, and it is
supposed to be the largest and handsomest which has been seen so far
up the estuary for a great number of years. It is called the "Ann
Rennison," and it is thought to be about 180 tons burden.
[from Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser and General Intelligencer - Thursday 04 November 1852]:
Loss of the "ANN RENNISON". We regret to have 1n record the loss of
a fine vessel belonging to this port, the schooner "Ann Rennison", Mr
Isaac Stones, master, which left Barrow on Monday se'ennight, laden
with iron ore. On Tuesday evening, about 5 o'clock, when the schooner
was off Holyhead, the wind blowing hard from the eastward, she lost
her jib-boom, standing jib, and split her other sails, but managed to
hold on her course till a quarter past ten on Wednesday night, when
running up the Bristol channel, she struck on the Skearweather Sands -
the night being hazy, and the lights not discernible. It was then
found that the vessel was fast making water. The men, however,
remained at the pumps till 2 o'clock on Thursday morning, when they
were obliged to take to the boats, and leave the ill-fated craft. They
landed at Porth Caul [sic Porthcawl] at six o'clock, from which place,
at seven, they perceived the masts had gone overboard, and the
schooner settling down. The men, it is proper to state, were sent
home, by rail, at the expense of the Fishermen's Society, of which
Captain Stones is a member.
Wooden schooner Ant, built 1849. ON1548, registered Lancaster 1849, 62 tons. MNL report built Ulverstone, Fisher fleet list, and shipbuilders site, quote built Penny & Postlethwaite, Ulverston; however, local history reports built Richard Ashburner, Greenodd. By 1870, owned James Fisher, Barrow. From 1873 to 1885 owned John Lavery, Carrickfergus, 54 tons. Reported lost 1885 - possible report is schooner Ant taking coal from Maryport to Carnlough, foundered November 1885.
[from Belfast News-Letter - Friday 22 September 1882]:
Arrived. 21 Sept. The Ant, Lavery, from Falkirk, with castings. [last report found
with master Lavery]
[from South Wales Daily News - Monday 16 November 1885]:
The schooner Ant of Glasgow, from Maryport for Carnlough, with coals,
has foundered. Crew landed at Maryport.
[no SV Ant of Glasgow in MNL 1885; only schooner is Ant of Lancaster - ie above]
Wooden schooner Edward & Margaret, built Samuel Schollick, Greenodd, 1851. ON18215, registered Lancaster 1851, 57 tons. Local history suggests she had design faults that needed rectifying. Registered Fleetwood 1880-1896, when owned Mrs Harriet Williams, Appledore, 79 tons. Voyage Cardiff via Appledore to Alderney, with coal, departing Appledore, 27 December 1895, foundered off Land's End, crew of 5 saved.
[from Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser and General Intelligencer - Thursday 02 October 1851]:
A FINE NEW SCHOONER, the Edward and Margaret, built at Greenodd by
Mr. Schollick, has been loaded in the Canal this week, and was the
subject of much nautical comment. We cannot pretend to decide upon her
merits, but we do most heartily wish her a prosperous career. She is
commanded by Captain Wainman.
[from North Devon Gazette - Tuesday 31 December 1895]:
APPLEDORE. Welcome news was received yesterday at Appledore of the
landing of Capt. Silvanus Williams and the crew of the schooner Edward
and Margaret, at Cardiff. Capt. Williams put in to Appledore some time
ago with coals for Alderney, and left on Friday last, since when no
tidings had been received of the vessel. It has transpired that the
Edward and Margaret foundered 30 miles off Land's End, the crew being
rescued by a steamer bound up channel. Capt. Williams and at least one
of the crew are natives of Appledore. [Captain plus 4 crew]
Main index
Barrow built:
Wooden schooner Jane Roper, built W and R Ashburner, Barrow, 1852, ON 13075, registered Lancaster 11/1852, 113 tons. In MNL to 1887, when owned A Ainslie, Carnforth, 94 tons. Voyage Bangor to Hamburg, with slates, called at Ramsgate for repairs, then 17 December 1886, foundered near North-Frisian island of Amrum, no survivors.
[from Lancaster Gazette - Saturday 18 September 1852]:
Ship Launch at Barrow. On Wednesday last, a schooner of 180 tonas
burthen, was launched from tbe ship building yard of the thriving
little port of Barrow. The builders are William and Richard Ashburner.
Being the first vessel built at this port, the event caused no little
stir, and will no doubt prove an important era in the history of this
rapidly improving port. She is owned by Thomas Roper, James Davis, W.
G. Ainslie, Esqrs., and others. She was christened by Richard Roper,
Esq., of Gawith Field, and named "Jane Roper", after the wife of
Thomas Roper, Esq.
[from Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Saturday 18 December 1886]:
The Jane Roper schooner, of Lancaster, has foundered near Amrum. Fate
of the crew unknown.
[from Thanet Avertiser - Saturday 25 December 1886]:
Loss of a Vessel and all Hands. The schooner Jane Roper, 93 tons
(Price, master), on a voyage from Bangor to Harburg with cargo of
slates, which put into Ramsgate after the gale in October and went on
the patent slipway to undergo repairs, sailed on Monday, the 13th
inst. News was received this week that the vessel has been wrecked on
the French coast [sic, North Frisian island of Amrum] and all hands
drowned.
Wooden schooner Tom Roper, built W and R Ashburner, Barrow, 1857, ON16675, registered Lancaster 1857, In MNL to 1918, owned James Sharpe, Glasgow, 92 tons. Collided with railway bridge on River Barrow and taken to New Ross for repairs 1916. No further voyages found.
[from Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser and General Intelligencer - Thursday 04 June 1857]:
LAUNCH AT BARROW, -- On Saturday, the 23d inst., a fine schooner of
upwards of 200 tons burthen was launched from the shipbuilding yard of
Mesrs. W. and R. Ashburner, at Barrow, and amid the cheers of the
spectators, was christened the "Tom Roper". Mrs. Morgan, lady of the
vicar of Dalton gave the name, which is not unknown or unrespected
among us. The launch was most succesful, and it was the opinion of all
present that a better or more beautiful vessel never entered the
water. ...
[from Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Thursday 04 May 1916]:
Waterford. May 2. The schooner Tom Roper, of Lancaster, came into collision with
Barrow Bridge: lost mainmast, bows damaged; is now ashore leaking badly.
[from Free Press (Wexford) - Saturday 09 September 1916]:
New Ross... Tom Roper. The Harbour Master reported that The Tom
Roper, which collided with the Barrow bridge last April, occupied one
of the berths presently whilst undergoing repairs. He desired to
receive instructions whether he was to charge dues on her or not. He
said that the Harbour Master came to him on the matter when the vessel
came up first and he told the Harbour Master to let her in, as the
repairing of her would give a good bit of local employment, and the
timber would be got locally as well. Thc question of the payment dues
now arose. ...
Wooden smack Ebenezer, built W and R Ashburner, Barrow, 1859, registered Liverpool 126/1859, 32 tons. Fishing vessel. Later registered Douglas, 1891. owned Thos Jones, Hoylake. Reported ashore near Hoylake 21 December 1900, and for sale, as she lies, in January 1901. Register closed 1901.
[from Western Mail - Monday 24 December 1900]:
Ebenezer, trawler, wrecked Hoylake, no lives lost. [21 December]
[from Liverpool Mercury - Monday 21 January 1901]:
By order MDHB, ... sale ... The Yawl-rigged Fishing Boat EBENEZER, as
she may then lie, in a damaged condition, on the main to the eastward
of Wallasey Embankment. Said vessel appears to be 22 tons register,
and to have been built at Barrow in 1859, ... [for breaking up]
Wooden schooner Lord Muncaster, built W and R Ashburner, Barrow, 1859. ON21759. Registered Lancaster 1859, 97 tons. in MNL to 1873, owned William Ashburner, Barrow, 87 tons. Voyage Newport for Waterford, with coal, departing 1 February 1873, and posted missing with all crew lost.
[from Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 03 March 1873]:
LOSS OF A SCHOONER WITH ALL HANDS, The agent and owners of the schooner Lord
Muncaster of Barrow-in-Furness have given up that vessel as lost. She left
Newport for Waterford with coals at the commencement of the year, and has not since been
heard of. It is expected that she foundered during the gales that prevailed
at that time. The captain (who leaves widow and six children) belonged
to Barrow, the mate was a West of England man, and two of the crew hailed from
Fleetwood. [Captain James Blundell; Fleetwood men: James Dunderdale, Ralph Slater;
left Newport on 1 February]
Wooden schooner Mary Jane, built W and R
Ashburner, Barrow, 1860, ON28005, registered Lancaster 8/1860, 100
tons. In MNL to 1911, when owned Mrs Mary Hughes, Shotton, 78 tons.
Voyage Cardiff to Portland, with coal, Wooden schooner Gummershow, built Rawlinson &
Reay, Barrow, 1857, registered Lancaster 1857, 73 tons, owned
Rawlinson. In MNL to 1899, registered Barrow, owned John Fisher,
Barrow, (from 1872), 53 tons. Last voyage found Newry to Liverpool, April 1899.
[from Kendal Mercury - Saturday 12 September 1857]: [from Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 12 October 1895]: [from Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 08 April 1899]: Wooden schooner Elizabeth Ann built Reay, Barrow, 1858, [from LR1870]
ON21757. Registered Lancaster 1858, 118 tons. In 1865 owned Jos. Rawlinson.
In MNL to 1877, owned Jos. Fisher, Barrow, 105 tons.
Voyage Barrow to Cork, with steel rails, missing, last
seen 19 February at Amlwch. 5 crew lost.
[from Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 17 February 1877]: [from Lancaster Guardian - Saturday 10 March 1877]: Wooden schooner Joseph, built Rawlinson & Reay, Barrow, 1859.
ON27765. Registered Lancaster 1859, 128 tons.
In MNL to 1895, owned Joseph Rawlinson, Barrow, [managed John Fisher], 99 tons.
Voyage Runcorn to Flushing [near Falmouth] with coal, sunk by
collision with SS Lindisfarne, south of the Lizard, 27 November 1895,
3 lost, 1 saved.
[from Western Morning News - Saturday 30 November 1895]: [from
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 02 December 1895]: Built Duddon estuary.
Wooden schooner Nellie Bywater, built Thomas,
Duddon, 1873, ON69715, registered Whitehaven 3/1874, 99 tons. From 1926,
registered Newry. Motor engine fitted 1928. Reported ashore, but
salvaged, on S end of Holy Island, Lamlash, 9 August 1921. Voyage to
West Indies, capsized and foundered in a
storm off Bolt Head, Plymouth, 27 December 1951, 2 crew lost, 9 saved.
Claimed to be the last schooner trading under the UK flag.
More history.
[from Whitehaven Advertiser - Tuesday 30 December 1873]: [from Shields Daily News - Friday 12 August 1921]: [Dundee Courier - Thursday 25 August 1921]: [from Barrow News - Saturday 17 November 1951]: [from Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 December 1951]: Wooden schooner Countess of Lonsdale, built William Thomas, Millom,
1878,
ON74753, registered Whitehaven 1/1879, 183 tons, in MNL to 1890, owned William Thomas,
Amlwch, 183 tons.
Collided with incoming SS Sherbro, near NW Lightship, 12 April 1890,
and sank.
crew saved.
[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Tuesday 01 October 1878]: [from Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 14 April 1890]: [from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Tuesday 15 April 1890]:
Launch at Hindpool. A new vessel, of 140 tons burthen, built of larch, cut from
Gummershowe plantation, on Lake Windermere, was launched on Saturday
from the yard of Messrs. Joseph Rawlinson and Co., Hindpool, who have
a new patent slip on the eve of completion. The day was particularly
fine, and this being the first vessel built by the firm, a goodly
company was present, among whom, we noticed several influential
gentlemen of the neighbourhood. Mrs Rawlinson gave the trim-built
craft her name "The Gummershowe," after the plantation from which the
timber was cut. The vessel was built and laid down from lines by Mr
Robert Reay, jun., (one of the firm we believe) and went off upon
"hollow ways", a system which guards against all dangers, but which has
not been hitherto practised in Furness. After the launch, the owner, Mr
Rawlinson, with a few friends, sat down to an excellent dinner
provided by Mrs Fleming, of the Ship Inn, Barrow.
SCHOONER ASHORE ON WALNEY. On Saturday the schooner Gummershow, with a
cargo of alum, owned by Messrs, Fisher and Sons, Barrow, went ashore on
Walney Island. She was assisted off with the loss of anchors and
chains, and was taken into Piel. Sunsequently she proceeded to Ulverston, where
she was discharged. [from Larne, later leaky]
Gummershow, Jones, on passage Newry to Liverpool.
Barrow. Sailed. 13 Feb. Elizabeth Ann, Williams, Cork, rails.
BARROW-IN-FURNESS,
Disasters to Local Vessels. The schooner Elizabeth Ann, of
Barrow, for Cork, with steel rails, was last seen on the 19th ult. at
Amlwch, Isle of Anglesea, and has not since been heard of. It is
expected she was lost in the late gale.
LOSS OFF THE LIZARD. TWO CORNISHMEN DROWNED. Fears entertained by
Falmouthians for several days respecting the overdue Lancaster schooner
Joseph (Captain Worth) were proved yesterday to be on only too sure a
foundation, by the receipt of telegram from Thomas Kinsman, the mate,
announcing that the schooner sank off the Lizard and that he was the
only survivor. The Joseph, owned by Messrs. James Fisher and Sons,
Barrow, from Runcorn with coal for Mr. Brewer, of Flushing, to which
place both Captain George Worth and the mate Kinsman belonged. The
crew also comprised a Penryn man and an Irishman known as Jimmy. They were a
fortnight overdue. The captains of the English schooners Sir Macdonald
and the Jessie report that as they were beating round the Lizard on
Sunday morning, they saw the Joseph following astern, with some of her
sails gone. So far these are all the particulars to hand, but it is
presumed that as the mate wired from London, he must have been picked by a
passing steamer. Worth leaves a widow, who is prostrated with grief, and
four young children, their ages ranging from eight to two years. Capt.
Worth was a well-known and experienced seaman. Early yesterday morning, an
empty shop's boat was washed ashore on the Eastern Green, near Penzance. It
was badly damaged, but the name Joseph of Lancaster remained on the stern. A name
partly obliterated was believed to possibly be Worth, the captain's name. During the
morning, small wreckage was washed in near the Battery Rocks, at the
eastern end of the Penzance promenade, and it included a ship's cathead and
part of a rail. There was also washed ashore a lifebuoy marked S.S. Eden, but
that is, of course, a relic of the collision off the Start recently, and
has apparently no connection with the other wreckage. The Joseph was a
schooner of 99 tons register, owned in Barrow-in-Furness. She was
built in 1859.
COLLISION IN THE CHANNEL. THE MATE'S STORY. A LANCASTER VESSEL SUNK.
Tom Kinsman, mate of the Lancaster schooner, Joseph, from Runcorn to
Flushing, who arrived at Falmouth yesterday, has given details of the
loss of that vessel on Wednesday morning last. He sates that the
Joseph, which was laden with coal, resorted to Mount's Bay for shelter
last Sunday, after having fruitlessly endeavoured to reach Falmouth
Harbour in the teeth of the gale, which carried away most of its sails. The
vessel was beating round the south of the Lizard early on the morning
in question, when it came into collision with the Newcastle steamer
Lindisfarne, from Swansea, with coal for London. The Joseph settled
down, disappearing within seven minutes. The captain (Worth), Kinsman,
and two other men were preparing to quit the vessel in a boat at the
time, but his companions being sucked under, he alone was taken on the
Lindisfarne. Kinsman is unable to account for the accident, just prior
to which the Lindisfarne was going full speed astern. The officers of
steamer, however, told him that the Joseph's port light was out.
LAUNCH OF A SCHOONER AT MILLOM. Saturday should certainly be marked as
a "red letter day" in the calendar of Millom. The distinguishing event
was the launching at Crab Marsh Point of the Nellie Bywater, a
schooner of about 200 tons, built by Captain Thomas, of Amlwch,
Anglesea, for the Hodbarrow Mining Company. We believe this is the
first launch of the kind which has taken place at this part of the
Duddon, but we hear that it is not likely to be the last, as we
understand it is the intention of the same company to at once lay down
the keel of a much larger vessel. The Nellie Bywater has been a long
time in hand, but she is now everything a captain could desire. She is
made of oak and greenheart, and is of great strength.
NELLIE BYWATER - Kildonan. Aug. 10. - The Schooncr Nellie Bywater, before
reported ashore at Holy Island, has bottom damaged, very leaky. Crew
safe.
Kildonan Aug 23. The schooner Nellie Bywater, previously reported
ashore, is refloated, and anchored at Lamlash for temporary repairs.
Duddon-built schooner is "going West". Built at Duddon in 1874, the 77-year-old two-masted
schooner Nellie Bywater, one of the last Cumberland sailing ships, 1s
due to sail for the West Indies shortly, She is now at Fowey, Cornwall. Her
owner, Captain Richard Englad, has been unable to find work for her in home
waters, She was formally in the Irish Sea coasting trade.
Helpers See Ship Capsize. 2 Lost, 9 Saved From Schooner. While Plymouth
lifeboat and the Devonport Dockyard tug Careful were standing by to
aid the schooner Nellie Bywater. in distress off Bolt Tail, South
Devon, the schooner capsized this afternoon and flung her crew into
the boiling water. The Nellie Bywater capsized and foundered five
miles from the coast. Nine survivors were picked up by the Careful.
but two of the crew are feared missing. The 115 tons wooden schooner,
built in 1873, had been reported leaking seven miles off Bolt Tail.
The tanker British Birch (8600 tons) stood by. The French trawler, Jacques
Cartier, got a towline aboard, but this was snapped by heavy seas, and
the schooner drifted towards land. Lloyd's Register lists the Nellie
Bywater as owned by R. L. England and registered at Newry
(Ireland). This afternoon an Admiralty spokesman at Plymouth said
there were two stretcher cases.
LAUNCHES. On the 27th ult., the new vessel Countess of
Lonsdale, which has been built at the Duddon shipbuilding-yard
of Messrs. Wm. Thomas and Co. (the Owners), Shipbuilders, was launched. Mr.
John Thomas, son of one of the Owners, Mr. William Thomas, christened
the vessel, which is made to carry about 380 tons. Her dimensions are:
Length, 112 feet; Breadth, 23 feet 8 inches; Depth 12 foot 9 inches.
VESSEL SUNK OFF THE PORT. On Saturday night, the West African steamer,
Sherbro, inward bound, collided with the schooner, supposed to be the
Countess of Lonsdale, off the North-West Lightship. The schooner
heeled over about five minutes after the collision. All crew were
taken off by the boats of Sherbro, and no lives were lost. The crew of
the steamer allege that the schooner altered her course and tried to
cross the steamer's bows, thus accounting for the collision.
[Captain Robert Roberts, mate and 3 men]
Countess of Lonsdale schooner, reported yesterday sunk by the Sherbro
(s), from Africa, was passed by No. 4 pilot boat, with bows down, about
three miles west by north of the North-west Lightship.
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