The Iron Barque Stuart came to grief on the north coast [of the Llŷn Peninsula] at Porth Ty Mawr on a foggy and drizzly morning, Easter Sunday, 6th April 1901. She had left Liverpool under tow on Good Friday bound for New Zealand with a quantity of porcelain, whisky, and a general cargo that included amongst other things, pianos and cotton bales. After being released from the tow, she intended to reach Cardigan Bay - but an error of judgement put her ashore on the Llŷn. She was stranded on the rocks and her captain and 18 crew were able to get into their boat and get ashore after some hours spent finding a suitable landing place.
It was hoped that she could be salvaged, but only some of her cargo was recovered. At the time it was suggested that the mishap may have occurred because of the inexperience of her crew.
This wreck is especially known for the "bounty" it brought to the local population. Tales of hidden bottles of whisky and casks of spirits (some allegedly still to be found) have been passed down. Indeed the area of her grounding is known locally as Porth Wisgi.
From North Wales Express, 26 April 1901:
THE STUART. - This fine vessel has become a wreck. Wreckage is found along the whole of the coast near Penllech, etc.[North of Penrhyn Colmon]. It contains soaps, bottles containing spirits, etc. Scores of people visit the scene of the wreck, and no doubt many succeed in getting mementos of the wreck.WRECKAGE AND DRUNKENNESS. - We regret to say that many persons have been found drunk in the neighbourhood where the ship "Stuart" went ashore. It seems that the cargo of the ship contained large quantities of liquor in casks and bottles.