S.T. Norse FD72 | The Bosun's Watch

Additional information courtesy of Christine Simm and David Slinger

Technical

Official Number: 136901
Yard Number: 409
Completed: 1915
Gross Tonnage: 297
Net Tonnage: 125
Length: 135.9 ft
Breadth: 23.1 ft
Depth: 12.4 ft
Built: J. Duthie Torry Shipbuilding Co, Aberdeen
Engine: T.3-cyl by Lidgerwood Ltd, Glasgow

History

1914: Launched by J. Duthie Torry Shipbuilding Co, Aberdeen (Yd.No.409) for The Mersey Steam Trawlers Ltd, Fleetwood as NORSE.
23.1.1915: Registered at Fleetwood (FD72). Ernest Taylor, Thornton-le-Fylde designated manager
1.1915: Completed.
2.3.1915: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (1-12pdr, 1-7.5” A/S Howitzer) (Ad.No.1352). Fitted as Sub-divisional Leader. Based Holyhead.
By 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Fleetwood.
17.9.1920: Sailed Fleetwood for northern fishing grounds (Sk. Robert Wright). At 4.00pm in good weather conditions stranded on Patterson’s Rock between Sanda and Mull of Kintyre. A motor boat from shore took the crew off landing them safely at Southend.
24.9.1920: Reported vessel is in the hands of the insurance company and salvage operations are proceeding.
27.9.1920: Storm interrupted salvage attempt.
3.10.1920: Vessel had broken up and disappeared below surface.
13.10.1920: Fleetwood registry closed.

Note: To the south and east of Kintyre, just off Southend, lies tiny Sanda Island. To the east of Sanda, on the run in to the Kilbrannan Sound, is Paterson’s Rock. Completely submerged at high water the rock has trapped three vessels, one of which was the trawler NORSE, On passage between Glasgow and Northern Ireland, she ran onto the rock in the evening. A local motor boat took the crew off and landed them at Southend. The following day the NORSE was sitting high and dry on the rock at low water but was badly damaged. A tug arrived and, over the next few days, attempted to salvage the vessel. On the 27th, however, the area lived up to its fearsome reputation by brewing a vicious storm which worked the stranded trawler so badly that she began to settle in the water. By the 3rd October she had broken up and disappeared under the surface.

Click to enlarge image

S.T. Norse FD72
Picture from the Internet

Changelog
01/01/2009: Page published. 5 updates since then.
15/11/2016: Picture added.
09/09/2018: Removed FMHT watermark and incorrect image.
18/04/2019: Added an image.
04/06/2021: Updated information.