Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

Ardrossan man drowned when Burns & Laird's "Lairdsfield" capsizes

From "The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald" dated Friday 13th February 1970.

ARDROSSAN MAN LOST AT SEA

An Ardrossan man was among the crew of the Scots coaster "Lairdsfield" who were lost when it capsized at the mouth of the River Tees last Friday night.

Mr. William Flood (35), whose home is at 26 Lawson Drive, Ardrossan, had been at sea most of his life.
At the age of fifteen he followed in his father's footsteps and first served on the Burns & Laird Lines' "Lairds Loch."
Later he was on board many of the large ships of the Cunard and Castle Lines, sailing all over the world.
He rejoined Burns & Laird about ten weeks ago.
Nine years ago, off the coast of Zanzibar, he vainly attempted to rescue a shipmate who had gone overboard into the shark-infested waters.

Mr. Flood, whose parents still live in Ardrossan, was married with a four year old daughter.
Three years ago, his elder daughter was killed after being knocked down by a bus near their home.

The coaster - a frequent visitor to Ardrossan - is reported to have suddenly turned turtle as she sailed from Middlesborough to Cork with a 600-ton cargo of steel plates and piling bars.