Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

LIFE BOAT SERVICE - Foundering Of Brig MORNING STAR

From: Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald Dated 7th January 1871

LIFE BOAT SERVICE ---- On Sunday morning last, the brig ?MORNING STAR?, of and from Dublin, in ballast for this port, was driven ashore on the Horse Island, in the gale which was then blowing from the South South West.

She was observed as if making for this port, but when near the Horse Island, which is about a mile to the North West of the harbour of Ardrossan, her course was altered, and she made to go up the channel.

Her sails, however, gave way, and the island being close under her lea, she was driven ashore, her main mast going over board about five minutes after. The master (Captain Delargy), and two of the crew swam ashore, and the other three got on to a rock close to which the vessel had struck.

The disaster being witnessed from the shore, no time was lost in getting out the Lifeboat. It was taken out by one of the harbour tugs to windward of the island, and was pulled round to the lea shore, where the men landed and crossed to the assistance of the crew of the stranded brig. Mr Brodie and the crew of the pilot boat showed great courage and deliberation. Pulling to the lea shore of the island they crossed, taking with them a line, one end of which was thrown to the men who were still holding on to the rock. A life buoy was then attached to it, and the men were, one at a time, dragged through the surf. The whole of the crew were brought across in the Lifeboat. The sea was running high, the spray breaking over the mast head. The vessel has become a total wreck.

Scribe Tango