1874 Advertisment by Anchor Line, Glasgow for their sailings from Glasgow to New York

Appalling Catastrophy In The Clyde

From: Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald Dated Friday 21st November, 1874

APPALLING CATASTROPHY IN THE CLYDE

MAN OF WAR CUTTER RUN DOWN - SEVENTEEN MEN DROWNED

A most appalling catastrophe occurred on the Clyde on Thursday night. A cutter, occupied by men of war?s men, was run down off Greenock with the terrible result above stated.

Shortly after six o?clock the boat which belonged to H.M.S. ?AURORA? the guard ship stationed at the Tail of the Bank, pulled off from the landing stage at Prince?s Pier, and proceeded in the direction of the warship anchored about a mile out in the Channel. Having got about midway, the Dublin steamer ?DUKE OF LEINSTER?, commanded by Captain Emerson, which had left the Greenock old steamboat quay at ?15, was seen bearing down upon her. The men on board the cutter burned a lamp, and it being seen by the watch in the steamer, he was immediately heard to cry out successively ?Boat ahead on the port bow;? ?Stop her;? and ?full speed astern.? These orders seemed to be instantly obeyed. But with the impetus which was on the vessel at the time, it was impossible to bring her to a stand before a lamentable collision had taken place. The men in the cutter had apparently thought they would be able to cross the steamer?s bows. But on seeing an accident imminent, a number shouted for the oarsmen to pull harder and others to back. In the confusion thereby occasioned, the ?DUKE OF LEINSTER? struck the small craft amidships. She was completely cut in two, and the occupants plunged into the water, the fore portion of the boat drifting to one side of the steamer, and the stern portion to the other. A great many persons witnessed the accident from Prince?s Pier and in a few minutes the greatest excitement was intensified by the darkness and by the fact that although pitiful cries were distinctly heard, only something like the forms of men scrambling in the water could be seen. Ready crews at once manned the nearest boats, which put off to render assistance, and two boats were lowered from the steamer with all despatch. In this way, ten persons were picked up.

The brothers John and James Waugh, the crews of the boats belonging to Mr James Barbour, a boat owned by Mr Nicholson, two boats, manned respectively by deep-sea and river pilots, and the steamer?s boats were those which were successful in rescuing life. A great many more persons than those picked up were known to have been on board the cutter, but the most careful search on the part of the men in the various boats failed to discover any trace of those missing. The boatmen now and again seemed to hear a low sound apparently form a drowning person, or fancied they saw at a distance something like a head above water.

But on proceeding to the spot nothing could be heard or seen. The men picked up were Lieutenant C.H. Whithem, Jas. Sharp, an engineer, who is so seriously injured that he is not expected to live; Alfred Clark, principal stoker; John Tuner, John Thomas Gleddon, and George Hollman, seamen; Thomas Edney, John Knox, and William Middleton, boys; and George Pregnell, a marine - in all ten persons. One of the boys had his wrist broken and the majority of the other nine were greatly exhausted either from imbibing the salt water, or from injuries sustained in the collision.

One man was picked up clinging to the floats of the steamer. The wheel was in motion when he seized hold of it, and had the engines not been instantly stopped he would assuredly have been killed. Great credit is due the master of the ?DUKE OF LEINSTER? in this matter. In regard to the drowned, there can be little
doubt that a large number of persons have perished in that manner. Twenty seven men and boys were known to have been on board. Several were excellent swimmers, and in ordinary circumstances, and unimpeded, they might have been able to have reached the shore. As it was, however, it was most unlikely that any one saved himself by swimming. 17 of the cutter?s crew are missing, and several of those are believed to have been killed in the collision.

On seeing the danger, the postman of the ?AURORA?, a marine named Albert Baker, leaped overboard. He was a capital swimmer, but encumbered as he was with his greatcoat, the post bag, and side arms, the poor fellow soon sunk and was drowned. Frederick Morgan, a gunner?s mate, also tried to save himself by jumping into the water, and he too met the unhappy fate of his comrade Baker.

A few minutes after the occurrence of the catastrophe, the North Highland steamer ?CLANSMAN? came down the Channel. The master was of course unaware of the mishap, and he steamed forward into the scene of the wreck. On observing the state of matters, however, he stopped the engines, and launched a boat, which did all it could to save life. It was supposed that one or two of the missing men may have been killed by this steamer. The following is the list of the names of the persons killed or drowned -

William Luce, coxswain
Timothy King, seaman
William Dearie, seaman
Christopher Mathews, seaman
George Dobson, seaman
George Kyon, seaman ??? Check sir name
Samuel Dun, seaman
Charles Hacks, seaman
Francis Hallat, seaman
John Gall, boy
Alfred Arnold, boy
Charles Hawes, boy
John Warren, stoker
Albert Baker, marine
Wm. Henry Fretby, armourer?s mate ??? Check sir name
Frederick Morgan, gunner?s mate

The pilots and boatmen agree in stating that no blame can be attached to the captain of the ?DUKE OF LEINSTER? who did all he could to avert the collision. The steamer hung about for an hour and a half, during which time her boats kept cruising around. The ?CLANSMAN? also remained by for some time.

The persons saved were as soon as possible conveyed on board the ?AURORA?. News of the calamity quickly spread, and in the course of the night large numbers visited Prince?s Pier, although all evidence of the disaster had ceased to be noticeable.

Scribe Tango

Appalling Catastrophy In The Clyde

From: Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald Dated Friday 21st November, 1874

APPALLING CATASTROPHY IN THE CLYDE

MAN OF WAR CUTTER RUN DOWN - SEVENTEEN MEN DROWNED

A most appalling catastrophe occurred on the Clyde on Thursday night. A cutter, occupied by men of war?s men, was run down off Greenock with the terrible result above stated.

Shortly after six o?clock the boat which belonged to H.M.S. ?AURORA? the guard ship stationed at the Tail of the Bank, pulled off from the landing stage at Prince?s Pier, and proceeded in the direction of the warship anchored about a mile out in the Channel. Having got about midway, the Dublin steamer ?DUKE OF LEINSTER?, commanded by Captain Emerson, which had left the Greenock old steamboat at quay 15, was seen bearing down upon her. The men on board the cutter burned a lamp, and it being seen by the watch in the steamer, he was immediately heard to cry out successively ?Boat ahead on the port bow;? ?Stop her;? and ?Full Speed Astern.? These orders seemed to be instantly obeyed. But with the impetus which was on the vessel at the time, it was impossible to bring her to a stand before a lamentable collision had taken place. The men in the cutter had apparently thought they would be able to cross the steamer?s bows. But on seeing an accident imminent, a number shouted for the oarsmen to pull harder and others to back. In the confusion thereby occasioned, the ?DUKE OF LEINSTER? struck the small craft amidships. She was completely cut in two, and the occupants plunged into the water, the fore portion of the boat drifting to one side of the steamer, and the stern portion to the other. A great many persons witnessed the accident from Prince?s Pier and in a few minutes the greatest excitement was intensified by the darkness and by the fact that although pitiful cries were distinctly heard, only something like the forms of men scrambling in the water could be seen. Ready crews at once manned the nearest boats, which put off to render assistance, and two boats were lowered from the steamer with all despatch. In this way, ten persons were picked up.

The brothers John and James Waugh, the crews of the boats belonging to Mr James Barbour, a boat owned by Mr Nicholson, two boats, manned respectively by deep-sea and river pilots, and the steamer?s boats were those which were successful in rescuing life. A great many more persons than those picked up were known to have been on board the cutter, but the most careful search on the part of the men in the various boats failed to discover any trace of those missing. The boatmen now and again seemed to hear a low sound apparently form a drowning person, or fancied they saw at a distance something like a head above water.

But on proceeding to the spot nothing could be heard or seen. The men picked up were Lieutenant C.H. Whithem, Jas. Sharp, an engineer, who is so seriously injured that he is not expected to live; Alfred Clark, principal stoker; John Tuner, John Thomas Gleddon, and George Hollman, seamen; Thomas Edney, John Knox, and William Middleton, boys; and George Pregnell, a marine - in all ten persons. One of the boys had his wrist broken and the majority of the other nine were greatly exhausted either from imbibing the salt water, or from injuries sustained in the collision.

One man was picked up clinging to the floats of the steamer. The wheel was in motion when he seized hold of it, and had the engines not been instantly stopped he would assuredly have been killed. Great credit is due the master of the ?DUKE OF LEINSTER? in this matter. In regard to the drowned, there can be little
doubt that a large number of persons have perished in that manner. 27 men and boys were known to have been on board. Several were excellent swimmers, and in ordinary circumstances, and unimpeded, they might have been able to have reached the shore. As it was, however, it was most unlikely that any one saved himself by swimming. 17 of the cutter?s crew are missing, and several of those are believed to have been killed in the collision.

On seeing the danger, the postman of the ?AURORA?, a marine named Albert Baker, leaped overboard. He was a capital swimmer, but encumbered as he was with his greatcoat, the post bag, and side arms, the poor fellow soon sunk and was drowned. Frederick Morgan, a gunner?s mate, also tried to save himself by jumping into the water, and he too met the unhappy fate of his comrade Baker.

A few minutes after the occurrence of the catastrophe, the North Highland steamer ?CLANSMAN? came down the Channel. The master was of course unaware of the mishap, and he steamed forward into the scene of the wreck. On observing the state of matters, however, he stopped the engines, and launched a boat, which did all it could to save life. It was supposed that one or two of the missing men may have been killed by this steamer. The following is the list of the names of the persons killed or drowned -

William Luce, coxswain
Timothy King, seaman
William Dearie, seaman
Christopher Mathews, seaman
George Dobson, seaman
George Kyon, seaman ...(?name)
Samuel Dun, seaman
Charles Hacks, seaman
Francis Hallat, seaman
John Gall, boy
Alfred Arnold, boy
Charles Hawes, boy
John Warren, stoker
Albert Baker, marine
Wm. Henry Fretby, armourer?s mate ...(?name)
Frederick Morgan, gunner?s mate

The pilots and boatmen agree in stating that no blame can be attached to the captain of the ?DUKE OF LEINSTER? who did all he could to avert the collision. The steamer hung about for an hour and a half, during which time her boats kept cruising around. The ?CLANSMAN? also remained by for some time.

The persons saved were as soon as possible conveyed on board the ?AURORA?. News of the calamity quickly spread, and in the course of the night large numbers visited Prince?s Pier, although all evidence of the disaster had ceased to be noticeable.

Scribe Tango

Dynamite used to clear Troon Graving Dock

From: Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald dated Friday 21st November 1874

Many of the inhabitants of this place who have heard of but never seen the actual working of the powerful and safe agent for blasting purposes, must have been highly satisfied with the result of Mr Daniel Blyth?s operations on the new whin rock which was embedded in the Small Graving Dock, here.

The rock measured in all about 12 feet 10 inches, and was over 50 tons in weight. In a few days the three men employed by Mr Calderwood to execute the work, had all the whin cleared out most satisfactorily, leaving a good clear berth for two vessels where there was only room for one before.

The efficiency and safety of this agent, which works downward, as compared with gunpowder, which goes upwards, will be very manifest when we mention that the rock was blasted immediately under the bows of a fine yacht (and near where a large body of men were working), which did not receive a scratch.

The same party, we understand, cleared out the granite boulders near Girvan on which a vessel was driven during the late storm, and so clearing the way for her she was safely brought off - Mr Blyth, meantime, lighting dynamite on the tug, in presence of the insurance agent, to let them see to get near her - and towed into port here.

To prove to the insurance agent its efficiency in water, a 3 inch cartridge was thrown into the sea, and speedily laid on the surface of the water a large number of fish.

Shipbuilding In Saltcoats

From Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, dated Friday 28th November 1874:

A few months ago we mentioned that Messrs P. Barclay & Son, shipbuilders, Ardrossan, had leased that piece of ground known as ?The Braes?, in Saltcoats, with the view of carrying on part of their business there: their increasing trade, and the limited area of their yard in Ardrossan, had necessitated the step.

The ground leased extends to two and a quarter acres, and so energetically has the work been pushed forward, that on Tuesday last a vessel was drawn up on the patent slip for the purpose of repair.

A patent slip has been laid down, capable of taking on five ordinary sized vessels. It extends 400 feet, the depth of water at the sea end being no less than 12 feet. On each side there has been run out wooden piers 260 feet in length. A stone breast has been built, and the ground is almost filled in where the new work will be executed. Several shops have been erected; the ground partially enclosed; and all this in a few months. But it will take to the spring of next year before the requisite number of sheds, and the necessary machinery can be erected, and made available.

The drawing up of the vessel, on Tuesday, however, is a noteworthy event in the history of the trade of the place. It is the revival of a trade for many years lost to the place, but which at one time was carried on with much vigour and enterprise. At one time ?The Braes? were busy with carpenters building and repairing vessels; but with the decadence of the harbour, ship building ceased, and the ?oldest inhabitant? mourned the change as a glory departed.

It is said that the trade originated about the middle of the last century in this wise:- A Mr Roxburgh, baker, was in the habit of purchasing wrecks, to be broken up and used for firewood. One of his purchases proved to be too good for such a purpose, and Mr Steel, Irvine, who had been brought over to examine it, was entrusted with the repairs. The first firm on the Braes was Steel & Carswell. Mr Steel sometime after left for Greenock, where he became more widely known as a most extensive shipbuilder. Shanks? yard was owned principally by the Browns; and there was a third owned by a Mr Porter. It was said that no fewer than twenty six vessels were built at Saltcoats

The highest tonnage being 400 tons; and that at one time no fewer than 200 hands were employed. The last ship launched was ?THE WARNER?, and it may be interesting to notice in connection with that fact, that a ship with emigrants sailed from Saltcoats for foreign parts on the same day.

As we mentioned lately, the revival is due to the enterprise of the son of a native of the place. The late Mr Peter Barclay commenced business in Ardrossan - his trade developing with the growth of the harbour. He laid the beginnings of a business which, in the hands of his son, is already a large and prosperous concern, and by this extension, is bidding fair to become still greater.

Scribe Tango

Accident To Steamer "Albion" At Ayr

From: Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald dated 29th November 1874

ACCIDENT TO STEAMER ?ALBION? AT AYR

An accident, which fortunately did not prove very serious, occurred to the steamer ?ALBION?, near Ayr on Saturday afternoon. The steamer started from Ayr, about two o?clock on her usual trip to Stranraer, with a number of passengers, 47 head of cattle, and a quantity of general goods. Shortly after passing the bar, the steamer struck something twice, and immediately afterwards - when she would be about a mile from the harbour - water began to pour into her fore-hold. The Captain (Douglas) fearing something serious was wrong, ordered the steamer to return to Ayr, and she succeeded in reaching the bar, where, the tide being low and herself deep in the water, she grounded. The passengers were consequently landed in small boats at the south pier, and the cattle were taken off by the tug. The opinion of those best able to judge is that the steamer must have struck the Nicholas Rock. We believe, however, the damages were not very serious.

Scribe Tango

Serious Case Of Assault - One Of The Crew Of The "Chusan" Stabbed

From: Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, dated Friday 28th November 1874:

A seaman named Geo. Joyner is at present in custody on a charge of stabbing Hassan Ali, one of the crew of the steamer "CHUSAN", on Saturday night. Hassan Ali, who is a coloured man, has been living for some time in the Sailors' Home, along with several of his shipwrecked companions, while waiting a berth to be provided for him by his employers and an ill feeling seems to have sprung up between the blacks and the seamen in the locality.

A quarrel arose among them on Saturday night, in course of which Ali was stabbed on the shoulder, and it is alleged that the wound was inflicted by the prisoner. He will be brought before the Western Police Court today, and in all probability remitted to the sheriff - Glasgow Herald of Friday.

Scribe Tango

SS Alexandra sinks near Belfast ; Ardrossan men drowned

From the Weekly Northern Whig ( a Belfast newspaper) on Saturday February 3, 1877,
And reads as follows:
?We regret to have to chronicle this morning one of the saddest shipping casualties which has occurred in this locality for a great length of time. Seven lives have most certainly been lost, and it is to be hoped that the fears, which exist regarding the safety of four others, may not turn out to be only too accurate.

The ship which has been lost is the Alexandra, owned by Messrs, Palgrave, Murphy & Co. of Dublin. She was a fine screw steamer of 363 tons register and about five weeks since she arrived in Liverpool from Cadiz with a cargo of wine. Having discharged some of her cargo, she left for Dublin and, when off Holyhead, her shaft broke and in a south-east gale which prevailed at the same time she was driven ashore at Clogher Head, between Dundalk and Drogheda.

The underwriters at once commenced operations to have the ship floated. For the past three weeks the KINGFISHER (Captain Millar), a powerful tug, belonging to the Liverpool Steam Tug Company was in attendance and a numerous body of men were busily engaged discharging the cargo and executing temporary repairs.

The work went on satisfactorily and, on Saturday last, the CHALLENGER (Captain Harrison), another fine tug steamer, left Liverpool for Clogher Head, to assist in towing the ALEXANDRA off.

The CHALLENGER reached the scene of the disaster on Sunday and on the Monday morning, by the combined efforts of the two tugs, the ALEXANDRA was successfully floated.
As there was not sufficient water to allow the vessel to get over Drogheda Bar, it was decided to bring her round to Belfast for repairs and on the forenoon of Monday she left for this port.

The KINGFISHER had her in tow and the screw steamer Seamew was attached to the stern of the ALEXANDRA to assist in the steering of her round the coast.
The CHALLENGER accompanied close by, lest her services would be required. We understand that one of the ALEXANDRA?s lifeboats was also kept astern, in case the vessel showed any symptoms of sinking.

On board the ship were three steam pumps, which were constantly at work, in order, if possible, to keep the leakage under control.
Every precaution indeed seems to have been taken in order to bring the ALEXANDRA safely round to Belfast.
When she left Clogher Head there were on board some 30 hands all told, viz ?

Captain Tenlon and Captain Morrison, agents for the underwriters at Lloyd?s,

Peter Anderson, foreman, and twelve shipwrights from Ardrossan;
John Robertson, diver, and his attendant, from Greenock; Five engineers from Messrs Young?s engineering works, at Ardrossan; and eight labourers, natives of Logher.

Everything seems to have gone on satisfactorily up to a late hour.
When passing the entrance to Carlingford Lough a strong gale was encountered.
The weather from this point continued rough and dirty, but still it would seem that until near the Copeland Islands the pumps kept the leakage in subjection, and the safety of the vessel seemed secure.
Close upon midnight, and when the Copeland light was but a short distance off, those on board the ALEXANDRA hailed the CHALLENGER for assistance as the water was making headway upon them.

At this time there was a stiff westerly gale blowing, and a very heavy sea running.
The moon was happily shining brightly at the time, and the perilous position of affairs was thus the more easily seen by
Captain Harrison, who, with great promptitude, and with a gallantry, which reflects the utmost credit on himself and his crew, ran the CHALLENGER alongside the ALEXANDRA.
The only possible way of saving the lives of those on board was to run as close as possible, and thus give the crew an opportunity of jumping onto the paddle-boxes of the tug. At terrible risk to himself and his crew, Captain Harrison repeated this hazardous experiment, and the saving of the 13 lives crowned his heroic efforts.

One poor fellow named Peter Anderson had managed to get on to the paddle-box of the CHALLENGER, but as she (the ship) was pitching about like a cork in the storm, he unhappily missed his hold, fell back into the sea, and has not since been heard of.
In a few minutes from the time the CHALLENGER was signalled for help, the ALEXANDRA gave her final lurch, and went down. Up to this time it would seem that the KINGFISHER was able to give some assistance, being fastened to the ALEXANDRA by a hawser (ropes) which was happily cut in time to ensure the safety of that craft.
After the vessel went down, the two steam tugs sailed about amongst the wreckage to see if they could pick up any person. Captain Harrison, of the CHALLENGER, seeing a boat, made it with all expedition and found that it contained Captain Teulon and Captain Morrison along with three of the shipwrights.
They had got into the lifeboat, which had been put adrift from the ALEXANDRA.
The shipwrights had managed to get onboard the SEAMEW, but owing to the heavy sea that was running, the two captains could not follow them, and were being knocked about in a most perilous condition when they were fortunately rescued by the CHALLENGER.
Some time afterwards the CHALLENGER and KINGFISHER, seeing that they could not possibly be of any more service made for Belfast Harbour, where they arrived at three o?clock on Tuesday morning.
Nothing very definite is known as to whence the SEAMEW proceeded, but it is believed she sat sail for Ardrossan, and of course nothing certain can be known as to the number of lives lost until a report is received as to the persons saved by that steamer.
There is reason to believe that some other shipwrights got on board the SEAMEW before the ALEXANDRA went down.

The following is a list of those landed at Belfast:

Captain Teulon, Captain Morrison, James Clarke, carpenter, James Shearer carpenter, John Stewart carpenter, James Stirrat carpenter, John McCormic carpenter,
William Wood carpenter, - all of the Ardossan,
Charles Lindsay engineer, Duncan Calwell engineer, Joseph Mills, engineer, William Craig engineer - all of Ardossan,
A. Cooke diver?s attendant, Greenock,
and four labourers from Clogher.

The persons missing, and believed to be drowned, are as follows:
Peter Anderson, foreman carpenter, Ardrossan,
John Dunn engineer, Ardrossan,
John Robertson diver, Greenock,
together with four Clogher labourers,
whose names have not been ascertained.

It may be safely said that from seven to 11 persons have perished. The labourers from Clogher left Belfast on Tuesday by rail for home, and some of the engineers, divers from Ardrossan & Greenock, took their departure on Tuesday night by steamer for that town.?

Assisted in the salvage and rescue of S.S. Alexandra

SS Alexandra, sinks, Ardrossan men drowned

From the Weekly Northern Whig ( a Belfast newspaper) on Saturday February 3, 1877,
And reads as follows:
?We regret to have to chronicle this morning one of the saddest shipping casualties which has occurred in this locality for a great length of time. Seven lives have most certainly been lost, and it is to be hoped that the fears, which exist regarding the safety of four others, may not turn out to be only too accurate.

The ship which has been lost is the Alexandra, owned by Messrs, Palgrave, Murphy & Co. of Dublin. She was a fine screw steamer of 363 tons register and about five weeks since she arrived in Liverpool from Cadiz with a cargo of wine. Having discharged some of her cargo, she left for Dublin and, when off Holyhead, her shaft broke and in a south-east gale which prevailed at the same time she was driven ashore at Clogher Head, between Dundalk and Drogheda.

The underwriters at once commenced operations to have the ship floated. For the past three weeks the KINGFISHER (Captain Millar), a powerful tug, belonging to the Liverpool Steam Tug Company was in attendance and a numerous body of men were busily engaged discharging the cargo and executing temporary repairs.

The work went on satisfactorily and, on Saturday last, the CHALLENGER (Captain Harrison), another fine tug steamer, left Liverpool for Clogher Head, to assist in towing the ALEXANDRA off.

The CHALLENGER reached the scene of the disaster on Sunday and on the Monday morning, by the combined efforts of the two tugs, the ALEXANDRA was successfully floated.
As there was not sufficient water to allow the vessel to get over Drogheda Bar, it was decided to bring her round to Belfast for repairs and on the forenoon of Monday she left for this port.

The KINGFISHER had her in tow and the screw steamer Seamew was attached to the stern of the ALEXANDRA to assist in the steering of her round the coast.
The CHALLENGER accompanied close by, lest her services would be required. We understand that one of the ALEXANDRA?s lifeboats was also kept astern, in case the vessel showed any symptoms of sinking.

On board the ship were three steam pumps, which were constantly at work, in order, if possible, to keep the leakage under control.
Every precaution indeed seems to have been taken in order to bring the ALEXANDRA safely round to Belfast.
When she left Clogher Head there were on board some 30 hands all told, viz ?

Captain Tenlon and Captain Morrison, agents for the underwriters at Lloyd?s,

Peter Anderson, foreman, and twelve shipwrights from Ardrossan;
John Robertson, diver, and his attendant, from Greenock; Five engineers from Messrs Young?s engineering works, at Ardrossan; and eight labourers, natives of Logher.

Everything seems to have gone on satisfactorily up to a late hour.
When passing the entrance to Carlingford Lough a strong gale was encountered.
The weather from this point continued rough and dirty, but still it would seem that until near the Copeland Islands the pumps kept the leakage in subjection, and the safety of the vessel seemed secure.
Close upon midnight, and when the Copeland light was but a short distance off, those on board the ALEXANDRA hailed the CHALLENGER for assistance as the water was making headway upon them.

At this time there was a stiff westerly gale blowing, and a very heavy sea running.
The moon was happily shining brightly at the time, and the perilous position of affairs was thus the more easily seen by
Captain Harrison, who, with great promptitude, and with a gallantry, which reflects the utmost credit on himself and his crew, ran the CHALLENGER alongside the ALEXANDRA.
The only possible way of saving the lives of those on board was to run as close as possible, and thus give the crew an opportunity of jumping onto the paddle-boxes of the tug. At terrible risk to himself and his crew, Captain Harrison repeated this hazardous experiment, and the saving of the 13 lives crowned his heroic efforts.

One poor fellow named Peter Anderson had managed to get on to the paddle-box of the CHALLENGER, but as she (the ship) was pitching about like a cork in the storm, he unhappily missed his hold, fell back into the sea, and has not since been heard of.
In a few minutes from the time the CHALLENGER was signalled for help, the ALEXANDRA gave her final lurch, and went down. Up to this time it would seem that the KINGFISHER was able to give some assistance, being fastened to the ALEXANDRA by a hawser (ropes) which was happily cut in time to ensure the safety of that craft.
After the vessel went down, the two steam tugs sailed about amongst the wreckage to see if they could pick up any person. Captain Harrison, of the CHALLENGER, seeing a boat, made it with all expedition and found that it contained Captain Teulon and Captain Morrison along with three of the shipwrights.
They had got into the lifeboat, which had been put adrift from the ALEXANDRA.
The shipwrights had managed to get onboard the SEAMEW, but owing to the heavy sea that was running, the two captains could not follow them, and were being knocked about in a most perilous condition when they were fortunately rescued by the CHALLENGER.
Some time afterwards the CHALLENGER and KINGFISHER, seeing that they could not possibly be of any more service made for Belfast Harbour, where they arrived at three o?clock on Tuesday morning.
Nothing very definite is known as to whence the SEAMEW proceeded, but it is believed she sat sail for Ardrossan, and of course nothing certain can be known as to the number of lives lost until a report is received as to the persons saved by that steamer.
There is reason to believe that some other shipwrights got on board the SEAMEW before the ALEXANDRA went down.

The following is a list of those landed at Belfast:

Captain Teulon, Captain Morrison, James Clarke, carpenter, James Shearer carpenter, John Stewart carpenter, James Stirrat carpenter, John McCormic carpenter,
William Wood carpenter, - all of the Ardossan,
Charles Lindsay engineer, Duncan Calwell engineer, Joseph Mills, engineer, William Craig engineer - all of Ardossan,
A. Cooke diver?s attendant, Greenock,
and four labourers from Clogher.

The persons missing, and believed to be drowned, are as follows:
Peter Anderson, foreman carpenter, Ardrossan,
John Dunn engineer, Ardrossan,
John Robertson diver, Greenock,
together with four Clogher labourers,
whose names have not been ascertained.

It may be safely said that from seven to 11 persons have perished. The labourers from Clogher left Belfast on Tuesday by rail for home, and some of the engineers, divers from Ardrossan & Greenock, took their departure on Tuesday night by steamer for that town.?

Assisted in the salvage and rescue of S.S. Alexandra

SS Alexandra, sinks, Ardrossan men drowned

From the Weekly Northern Whig ( a Belfast newspaper) on Saturday February 3, 1877,
And reads as follows:
?We regret to have to chronicle this morning one of the saddest shipping casualties which has occurred in this locality for a great length of time. Seven lives have most certainly been lost, and it is to be hoped that the fears, which exist regarding the safety of four others, may not turn out to be only too accurate.

The ship which has been lost is the Alexandra, owned by Messrs, Palgrave, Murphy & Co. of Dublin. She was a fine screw steamer of 363 tons register and about five weeks since she arrived in Liverpool from Cadiz with a cargo of wine. Having discharged some of her cargo, she left for Dublin and, when off Holyhead, her shaft broke and in a south-east gale which prevailed at the same time she was driven ashore at Clogher Head, between Dundalk and Drogheda.

The underwriters at once commenced operations to have the ship floated. For the past three weeks the KINGFISHER (Captain Millar), a powerful tug, belonging to the Liverpool Steam Tug Company was in attendance and a numerous body of men were busily engaged discharging the cargo and executing temporary repairs.

The work went on satisfactorily and, on Saturday last, the CHALLENGER (Captain Harrison), another fine tug steamer, left Liverpool for Clogher Head, to assist in towing the ALEXANDRA off.

The CHALLENGER reached the scene of the disaster on Sunday and on the Monday morning, by the combined efforts of the two tugs, the ALEXANDRA was successfully floated.
As there was not sufficient water to allow the vessel to get over Drogheda Bar, it was decided to bring her round to Belfast for repairs and on the forenoon of Monday she left for this port.

The KINGFISHER had her in tow and the screw steamer Seamew was attached to the stern of the ALEXANDRA to assist in the steering of her round the coast.
The CHALLENGER accompanied close by, lest her services would be required. We understand that one of the ALEXANDRA?s lifeboats was also kept astern, in case the vessel showed any symptoms of sinking.

On board the ship were three steam pumps, which were constantly at work, in order, if possible, to keep the leakage under control.
Every precaution indeed seems to have been taken in order to bring the ALEXANDRA safely round to Belfast.
When she left Clogher Head there were on board some 30 hands all told, viz ?

Captain Tenlon and Captain Morrison, agents for the underwriters at Lloyd?s,

Peter Anderson, foreman, and twelve shipwrights from Ardrossan;
John Robertson, diver, and his attendant, from Greenock; Five engineers from Messrs Young?s engineering works, at Ardrossan; and eight labourers, natives of Logher.

Everything seems to have gone on satisfactorily up to a late hour.
When passing the entrance to Carlingford Lough a strong gale was encountered.
The weather from this point continued rough and dirty, but still it would seem that until near the Copeland Islands the pumps kept the leakage in subjection, and the safety of the vessel seemed secure.
Close upon midnight, and when the Copeland light was but a short distance off, those on board the ALEXANDRA hailed the CHALLENGER for assistance as the water was making headway upon them.

At this time there was a stiff westerly gale blowing, and a very heavy sea running.
The moon was happily shining brightly at the time, and the perilous position of affairs was thus the more easily seen by
Captain Harrison, who, with great promptitude, and with a gallantry, which reflects the utmost credit on himself and his crew, ran the CHALLENGER alongside the ALEXANDRA.
The only possible way of saving the lives of those on board was to run as close as possible, and thus give the crew an opportunity of jumping onto the paddle-boxes of the tug. At terrible risk to himself and his crew, Captain Harrison repeated this hazardous experiment, and the saving of the 13 lives crowned his heroic efforts.

One poor fellow named Peter Anderson had managed to get on to the paddle-box of the CHALLENGER, but as she (the ship) was pitching about like a cork in the storm, he unhappily missed his hold, fell back into the sea, and has not since been heard of.
In a few minutes from the time the CHALLENGER was signalled for help, the ALEXANDRA gave her final lurch, and went down. Up to this time it would seem that the KINGFISHER was able to give some assistance, being fastened to the ALEXANDRA by a hawser (ropes) which was happily cut in time to ensure the safety of that craft.
After the vessel went down, the two steam tugs sailed about amongst the wreckage to see if they could pick up any person. Captain Harrison, of the CHALLENGER, seeing a boat, made it with all expedition and found that it contained Captain Teulon and Captain Morrison along with three of the shipwrights.
They had got into the lifeboat, which had been put adrift from the ALEXANDRA.
The shipwrights had managed to get onboard the SEAMEW, but owing to the heavy sea that was running, the two captains could not follow them, and were being knocked about in a most perilous condition when they were fortunately rescued by the CHALLENGER.
Some time afterwards the CHALLENGER and KINGFISHER, seeing that they could not possibly be of any more service made for Belfast Harbour, where they arrived at three o?clock on Tuesday morning.
Nothing very definite is known as to whence the SEAMEW proceeded, but it is believed she sat sail for Ardrossan, and of course nothing certain can be known as to the number of lives lost until a report is received as to the persons saved by that steamer.
There is reason to believe that some other shipwrights got on board the SEAMEW before the ALEXANDRA went down.

The following is a list of those landed at Belfast:

Captain Teulon, Captain Morrison, James Clarke, carpenter, James Shearer carpenter, John Stewart carpenter, James Stirrat carpenter, John McCormic carpenter,
William Wood carpenter, - all of the Ardossan,
Charles Lindsay engineer, Duncan Calwell engineer, Joseph Mills, engineer, William Craig engineer - all of Ardossan,
A. Cooke diver?s attendant, Greenock,
and four labourers from Clogher.

The persons missing, and believed to be drowned, are as follows:
Peter Anderson, foreman carpenter, Ardrossan,
John Dunn engineer, Ardrossan,
John Robertson diver, Greenock,
together with four Clogher labourers,
whose names have not been ascertained.

It may be safely said that from seven to 11 persons have perished. The labourers from Clogher left Belfast on Tuesday by rail for home, and some of the engineers, divers from Ardrossan & Greenock, took their departure on Tuesday night by steamer for that town.?

SS Alexandra sinks near Belfast ; Ardrossan men drowned

SS Alexandra, sinks, Ardrossan men drowned

From the Weekly Northern Whig ( a Belfast newspaper) on Saturday February 3, 1877,
And reads as follows:
?We regret to have to chronicle this morning one of the saddest shipping casualties which has occurred in this locality for a great length of time. Seven lives have most certainly been lost, and it is to be hoped that the fears, which exist regarding the safety of four others, may not turn out to be only too accurate.

The ship which has been lost is the Alexandra, owned by Messrs, Palgrave, Murphy & Co. of Dublin. She was a fine screw steamer of 363 tons register and about five weeks since she arrived in Liverpool from Cadiz with a cargo of wine. Having discharged some of her cargo, she left for Dublin and, when off Holyhead, her shaft broke and in a south-east gale which prevailed at the same time she was driven ashore at Clogher Head, between Dundalk and Drogheda.

The underwriters at once commenced operations to have the ship floated. For the past three weeks the KINGFISHER (Captain Millar), a powerful tug, belonging to the Liverpool Steam Tug Company was in attendance and a numerous body of men were busily engaged discharging the cargo and executing temporary repairs.

The work went on satisfactorily and, on Saturday last, the CHALLENGER (Captain Harrison), another fine tug steamer, left Liverpool for Clogher Head, to assist in towing the ALEXANDRA off.

The CHALLENGER reached the scene of the disaster on Sunday and on the Monday morning, by the combined efforts of the two tugs, the ALEXANDRA was successfully floated.
As there was not sufficient water to allow the vessel to get over Drogheda Bar, it was decided to bring her round to Belfast for repairs and on the forenoon of Monday she left for this port.

The KINGFISHER had her in tow and the screw steamer Seamew was attached to the stern of the ALEXANDRA to assist in the steering of her round the coast.
The CHALLENGER accompanied close by, lest her services would be required. We understand that one of the ALEXANDRA?s lifeboats was also kept astern, in case the vessel showed any symptoms of sinking.

On board the ship were three steam pumps, which were constantly at work, in order, if possible, to keep the leakage under control.
Every precaution indeed seems to have been taken in order to bring the ALEXANDRA safely round to Belfast.
When she left Clogher Head there were on board some 30 hands all told, viz ?

Captain Tenlon and Captain Morrison, agents for the underwriters at Lloyd?s,

Peter Anderson, foreman, and twelve shipwrights from Ardrossan;
John Robertson, diver, and his attendant, from Greenock; Five engineers from Messrs Young?s engineering works, at Ardrossan; and eight labourers, natives of Logher.

Everything seems to have gone on satisfactorily up to a late hour.
When passing the entrance to Carlingford Lough a strong gale was encountered.
The weather from this point continued rough and dirty, but still it would seem that until near the Copeland Islands the pumps kept the leakage in subjection, and the safety of the vessel seemed secure.
Close upon midnight, and when the Copeland light was but a short distance off, those on board the ALEXANDRA hailed the CHALLENGER for assistance as the water was making headway upon them.

At this time there was a stiff westerly gale blowing, and a very heavy sea running.
The moon was happily shining brightly at the time, and the perilous position of affairs was thus the more easily seen by
Captain Harrison, who, with great promptitude, and with a gallantry, which reflects the utmost credit on himself and his crew, ran the CHALLENGER alongside the ALEXANDRA.
The only possible way of saving the lives of those on board was to run as close as possible, and thus give the crew an opportunity of jumping onto the paddle-boxes of the tug. At terrible risk to himself and his crew, Captain Harrison repeated this hazardous experiment, and the saving of the 13 lives crowned his heroic efforts.

One poor fellow named Peter Anderson had managed to get on to the paddle-box of the CHALLENGER, but as she (the ship) was pitching about like a cork in the storm, he unhappily missed his hold, fell back into the sea, and has not since been heard of.
In a few minutes from the time the CHALLENGER was signalled for help, the ALEXANDRA gave her final lurch, and went down. Up to this time it would seem that the KINGFISHER was able to give some assistance, being fastened to the ALEXANDRA by a hawser (ropes) which was happily cut in time to ensure the safety of that craft.
After the vessel went down, the two steam tugs sailed about amongst the wreckage to see if they could pick up any person. Captain Harrison, of the CHALLENGER, seeing a boat, made it with all expedition and found that it contained Captain Teulon and Captain Morrison along with three of the shipwrights.
They had got into the lifeboat, which had been put adrift from the ALEXANDRA.
The shipwrights had managed to get onboard the SEAMEW, but owing to the heavy sea that was running, the two captains could not follow them, and were being knocked about in a most perilous condition when they were fortunately rescued by the CHALLENGER.
Some time afterwards the CHALLENGER and KINGFISHER, seeing that they could not possibly be of any more service made for Belfast Harbour, where they arrived at three o?clock on Tuesday morning.
Nothing very definite is known as to whence the SEAMEW proceeded, but it is believed she sat sail for Ardrossan, and of course nothing certain can be known as to the number of lives lost until a report is received as to the persons saved by that steamer.
There is reason to believe that some other shipwrights got on board the SEAMEW before the ALEXANDRA went down.

The following is a list of those landed at Belfast:

Captain Teulon, Captain Morrison, James Clarke, carpenter, James Shearer carpenter, John Stewart carpenter, James Stirrat carpenter, John McCormic carpenter,
William Wood carpenter, - all of the Ardossan,
Charles Lindsay engineer, Duncan Calwell engineer, Joseph Mills, engineer, William Craig engineer - all of Ardossan,
A. Cooke diver?s attendant, Greenock,
and four labourers from Clogher.

The persons missing, and believed to be drowned, are as follows:
Peter Anderson, foreman carpenter, Ardrossan,
John Dunn engineer, Ardrossan,
John Robertson diver, Greenock,
together with four Clogher labourers,
whose names have not been ascertained.

It may be safely said that from seven to 11 persons have perished. The labourers from Clogher left Belfast on Tuesday by rail for home, and some of the engineers, divers from Ardrossan & Greenock, took their departure on Tuesday night by steamer for that town.?

1880 Steam Tug: Terrier
Crew: Capt Robert Bannatyne, James Arneil...Stoker
James Smith?Coal trimmer, William B Smith?Coal trimmer.

MIRA leaves Liverpool (England) for Suez and Colombo then to Calcutta (India)

PLEIADES leaves Liverpool (England) for Suez and Colombo then to Calcutta (India)

VEGA leaves Liverpool (England) for Suez and Colombo then to Calcutta (India)