Category Archives: Lost Vessels

Vessels that have been lost

s.v. Fleetwing FD63

Additional information courtesy of Christine Simm

Technical

Official Number: 86148
Completed: 1883
Gross tonnage: 41,43
Net tonnage: 28,32
Length: 62 ft
Breadth: 17.35 ft
Depth: 8.7 ft
Rig: Jigger rigged smack
Built: J.W. & A. Upham, Brixham

History

7.2.1883: Launched by J.W. & A. Upham, Brixham for James Small, Brixham as FLEETWING.
1883: Completed. Registered at Dartmouth (DH214).
27.7.1889: Arrived Fleetwood from Brixham.
3.8.1889: Sold to Mrs Jane Waring, Fleetwood & others.
12.1889: Dartmouth registry closed.
9.12.1889: Registered at Fleetwood (FD63).
6.1.1890: For over a month the weather had been unfavourable for trawling and Fleetwood fishermen had earned nothing. Put to sea in company with YOUNG WALKER (FD47).
7.1.1890: Returned with the punt and bulwarks smashed with heavy seas and YOUNG WALKER having lost the trawl beam and broken her bridle. What little fish they caught was sold at – soles 1s 5d per lb, rays 6s a basket and plaice 4s per score.
13.1.1890: Many of the Fleetwood fishing fleet sailed for the fishing grounds off the Isle of Man, but several of them returned to port, not deeming it advisable to remain out. Amongst those that stayed out, ROYAL CONSORT (FD75), SURPRISE (FD151), PRINCE CHARLIE (FD157), GRATITUDE (FD156), FLEETWING (FD63), GEORGE & LIZZIE (FD91), SWALLOW (AR89) and GRACE DARLING (FD113) and ELIZA CHARLOTTE (FD17) belonging to Mr C. H. Saundby, were caught in the gale which blew up later in the day and raged until early the following morning. In the heavy seas broke the jib boom. SURPRISE encountered the worst of the weather and lost fisherman William Jackson (18), washed overboard and later, north of Maughold Head, missed stays and was swept on the beach. Being on the flood she came afloat to her anchor and volunteers brought her into Ramsey, the last Fleetwood boat to arrive. ROYAL CONSORT sustained the most damage, her main gaff was broken and the mizzen peak halyards parted; she was the last but one to arrive in Ramsey. GRACE DARLING lost all her sails blown away and other damage to her rigging. ELIZA CHARLOTTE and GEORGE & LIZZIE had their mainsails entirely blown away, while SWALLOW lost her foresail. All these boats managed to get into Ramsey and await better weather, those with sails blown away to wait until fresh sails were sent from Fleetwood.
15.1.1890: Mr Saundby despatched the smack ROYAL CONSORT (FD23) to Ramsey with new suite of sails to enable the damaged smacks to return to Fleetwood.
25.10.1890: Taking advantage of a favourable breeze some thirty smacks left for the fishing grounds. The Harbour Authorities were constructing a groyne near the Lower Shore Light with piles driven in. Along with WONDER (FD68), ROBERT & ANN (FD98) and YOUNG WALKER (FD47) ran amongst the piles. Drove one or two piles down but was holed and had to put back into harbour with pumps manned.
1891: John Waring, Fleetwood & others (John Waring managing owner).
30.9.1892: In boisterous weather took part in Fleetwood Regatta on a 45 mile course, which was won by LIVONIA (FD65).
17.5.1904: Tonnage altered to 24.26net. New Fishing Certificate issued.
20.12.1904: Sold to Frank Jones, 16 Ferndale Rd, Hoylake.
6.1.1913: Sailed Liverpool for Welsh fishing grounds (Sk. Frank Jones); four crew all told 9.1.1913: At night in fairly clear weather but a strong SE wind and choppy sea, returning to Liverpool from Gt. Orme’s Head having broken the trawl beam. Shortly after 5.00pm while beating up the Crosby channel on the port tack they saw the lights of a small steamer astern, some distance away. Having just stayed up (gone about) and set on the starboard tack they observed the steamer about 300 yards away on the port quarter. The skipper shouted out to the steamer, “What are you doing aboard that ship? You are coming into us.”. The steamer, which proved to be the Mersey Docks & Harbour Board steam hopper barge BETA (404grt/1891)(Capt. Griffiths), ported her helm, slowed down and then went full astern, the master shouting to the trawler ”What kind of a thing is that to do?”. Immediately afterwards the hopper struck the trawler on the port side, midships. The trawler started to founder and two of the trawler’s crew jumped into the punt, which floated clear and got on to the hopper where they found the other two members of the crew. The trawler filled and started to settle and then the saloon lights of a large steamer was seen close by, Capt Griffiths sounded blasts on the whistle that they were going astern. Before the hopper made way astern she was struck on the port side at the break of the forecastle by the Booth Steamship Co Ltd liner AMBROSE (4585grt/1903)(Capt Poulet), Manaus for Liverpool, rubber and passengers, opening her up and taking in water. The force of the impact threw a good many of the men on the hopper into the water and others lowered the boat which got jammed throwing the occupants also into the water. At the time inbound was also the Northwich Carrying Co’s steam coaster MAY (263g/1903) (Capt Owens) which came upon the scene and succeeded in picking up fisherman Frederick Jones; Capt Griffiths and Samuel Fryer of the BETA and Harry Evans, White Star pilot, returning to Liverpool after piloting the SUEVIC (12531g/1901) out of port. On account of his critical condition Capt Griffiths was taken onboard the AMBROSE for medical attention but died before reaching Liverpool. The AMBROSE had lowered her boats to pick up survivors but before anymore could be saved the hopper foundered by the head; there was no sign of the waterlogged trawler or any men in the water. The remaining three survivors were brought up to the landing stage onboard the MAY and pilot Evans was at once taken to the receiving house and attended there. The whole incident had taken place over a few minutes and although the New Brighton steam lifeboat proceeded to the area they arrived after the incident was closed.
20.1.1913: Fleetwood registry closed “ Vessel in collision in Mersey January 9th 1913 and was totally lost. “ Subsequently salved and broken up.

FLEETWING – Drowned: Sk. Frank Jones, Edward Jones & Harry Jones, all of Hoylake.
Saved: Frederick Arthur Jones, fisherman, 16 Ferndale Road, Hoylake.

BETA – Drowned: Robert Fairlie, Ch Eng, 19 Orwell Road; Tom Wilcocks, 22 Dorrit Street, Alfred Porter, 6 Powis Street, Frank Walton, 42 Wye Street and Joseph Garnett, 33 Dorrit Street, all ABs; James Cliff, 163 Conway Street and Edward Ledson, 37 Lathom Street, firemen. Henry Stringer (15) who was on a pleasure trip.
Saved: Samuel Fryer, mate. Henry James Evans, first-class pilot, White Star Line, Grove Road, New Brighton and Capt W. Griffiths, master, 40 Anold Road, Liverpool (rescued but died from shock and immersion).

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Sailing Trawler Fleetwing FD63

Fleetwing FD63
Picture courtesy of The George Westwood Collection

Changelog
05/01/2009: Page published.
15/11/2014: Information updated.
21/10/2017: Removed FMHT watermark from image.
21/06/2022: Updated information.

s.v. Devonshire Lass FD37

Additional information courtesy of Christine Simm

Technical

Official Number: 87593
Completed: 1883
Net Tonnage: 44
Built: Thomas Mathews, Galmpton
Rig: Cutter – trawling

History

1883: Completed by Thomas Mathews, Galmpton for Alfred Wilton, Brixham as DEVONSHIRE LASS. Registered at Dartmouth (DH18).
1885: Sold to Thomas Blackmore Brusey, Dublin.
1888: Sold to Jas. Brusey, 9 York Street, Kingstown, Co. Dublin.
1897: Owned by Samuel Pullen, 15 Cambridge Street, Ringsend, Co. Dublin.
28.8.1900: Sold to James Wright, 25 Adelaide Street, Fleetwood. Dartmouth/Brixham registry closed.
5.9.1900: Registered at Fleetwood (FD37).
25.2.1903: During the night, the Fylde Coast experienced the worst weather since the storm of December 1894, in a SSE Force 9 severe gale, reaching storm force in the squalls, torn from her moorings at Jubilee Quay and after being after being buffeted about for several hours, carried out and on to Bernard’s Wharf. On the flood, driven further on to Pilling Sands and shortly before noon she foundered. Visited at low water, found to be partly buried in sand, seams open and feared to be a total wreck.
19.3.1903: Reported that the wreck of the fishing smack “Devonshire Lass” which went ashore on Pilling Sands a fortnight earlier, was sold by auction for 22s 6d.
7.10.1903: Fleetwood registry closed “ Sold as a wreck.”

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Changelog
05/01/2009: Page published.
05/10/2022: Updated history.

S.T. Seville FD135

Technical

Official Number: 148224
Yard Number: ??
Completed: 1918
Gross Tonnage: 271
Net Tonnage: 122
Length: 125.7 ft
Breadth: 23.5 ft
Depth: 12.7 ft
Built: Kingston Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Kingston, Ontario
Engine: 480ihp T.3-cyl by National Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Goderich, Ontario.

History

1.1917: Ordered.
1918: Launched by Kingston Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Kingston, Ontario (Yd.No. – ) (Canadian “Castle” – T.R.” class) for The Admiralty (paid for and built under direction of RCN) as TR.20.
31.8.1918: Completed by Collingwood Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Collingwood, Ontario (Yd. No.-) and commissioned in the Royal Canadian Navy (1-12pdr).
14.1.1919: Paid off and laid up.
1920: Accepted offer of Rose Street Foundry & Engineering Co Ltd, Inverness (Captain D. J. Munro as agent) to bring drifters with trawlers as escorts to UK for lay-up in Muirtown Basin, Caledonian Canal, Inverness prior to sale and possible refit for classification as steam trawlers (The Rose Street Foundry & Engineering Co Ltd letter dated 12 April 1920).
1921: Brought over at The Admiralty’s expense.
1.1926: Still laid up.
2.1926: Rejected offer for all remaining trawlers at £2,000 each (B. Allenby, Aberdeen letter dated 10 Feb 1926).
8.1926: Sold “as is” to Boston Deep Sea Fishing & Ice Co Ltd, Grimsby (Fred Parkes, Blackpool, manager).
22.9.1926: Registered at Fleetwood as SEVILLE (FD135).
1928: Sold to Red Funnel Fisheries Ltd, Sydney, NSW.
3.9.1928: Registered at Fleetwood as DURRAWEEN (FD135).
15.9.1928: Sailed Fleetwood for Sydney in company with GOOLGWAI (FD117).
12.1928: Arrived Sydney, NSW after 92 day passage, which included stranding when calling at the Cocos Islands, Indian Ocean.
29.12.1928: Fleetwood registry closed.
1930: Registered at Sydney, NSW.
1933: Owners re-styled Red Funnel Trawlers Ltd, Sydney, NSW.
28.12.1937: In collision with steamer WANGANELLA (9576grt/1932) near Montague Island, NSW. Sustained damage to bows, but with WANGANELLA, damaged amidships, proceeded to Sydney; no casualties.
29.7.1940: Requisitioned for war service by Royal Australian Navy and fitted out at Williamstown as a minesweeper (1-12pdr, 1-20mm Oerlikon, 1-0.303 Vickers MG) (P.No.FY.93).
1940: Based Port Melbourne, Vic with M/S Group 54.
11.1940: Sweeping in Bass Strait with others swept 43 mines mines off Wilson’s Promontary (laid by German auxiliary cruiser PENGUIN and auxiliary minelayer PASSAT).
8.1944: Joined TU 70.5.2 surveying Torres Strait.
1.11.1945: Paid off and laid up.
10.1946: Returned after survey and restoration at Sydney.
1952: Sold for breaking up at Blackwattle Bay, Sydney, NSW.

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S.T. Seville FD135

S.T. Seville FD135
Picture (as TR20) courtesy of Ronnie Bell

S.T. Seville FD135

S.T. Seville FD135
Picture (as TR20) courtesy of Ronnie Bell

S.T. Durraween

S.T. Durraween

Changelog
04/01/2009: Page published. 3 updates since then.
27/04/2014: Updated information.
28/05/2018: Removed FMHT watermarks from images.

S.T. Sea Ranger FD426

Technical

Official Number: 136214
Yard Number: 609
Completed: 1914
Gross Tonnage: 263
Net Tonnage: 103
Length: 125.2 ft
Breadth: 22.5 ft
Depth: 12.2 ft
Built: Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby
Engine: T.3-cyl and boiler by Amos & Smith Ltd, Hull

History

25.7.1914: Launched by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby (Yd.No.609) for Humber Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Hull as SEA RANGER.
6.11.1914: Registered at Hull (H188).
11.11.1914: Completed (Richard H. Hobbs, manager).
2.1915: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (1-12pdr, 1-6pdr HA) (Ad.No.1219). Fitted as Leader. Based Peterhead. Leader Unit 42.
16.7.1915: Unit 42, at 0830 am. in position 57.20N 0.40E patrolling in a rough line to the NW in the following order SEA RANGER(Lieut. H. J. Bray RNR), EASTWARD HO (Ad.No.1217)(H415) and CAMEO (Ad.No.1216) (H394) (Sk. Albert Sayer RNR) approximately 2 miles apart. Observed a steamer steering erratically and detached to close her to investigate. Found Norwegian steamer VAAGEN picking up lumber lost from her deck cargo. At the same time CAMEO turned southwards to examine a boat that had passed and sighted a surfaced submarine to the SW steaming towards him, turned towards submarine which fired a shot at him falling short followed by at least four other shots that also fell short. At 2000yds submarine opened fire with two guns, returned fire but hit three times in fore part of wheelhouse, smashing wheel and wounding Sk. Sayer on right side and eye by splinters. Second shot hit starboard quarter while the third shot exploded in the galley. Believed that submarine was hit two or three times at the fore end, in all 11 rounds fired by CAMEO. EASTWARD HO becoming aware of the action steered towards them and submarine ceased firing and headed away to the westward on the surface. Sighted the submarine 4 to 5 miles to the southwestwards and gave chase trying to cut her off with EASTWARD HO also in pursuit but due to superior speed the submarine escaped (* See Note 1).
1916: Based Peterhead.
27.5.1916: With HMTrawlers OKU (Ad.No.1355)(CF25), RODINO (Ad.No.1230)(GY836) and KIMBERLEY (Ad.No.11)(GY167) patrolling Area B between Lat 57.10 and 57.39. At 12.30 pm. GMT observed a sail and smoke to the Northward steering Eastward; proceeded to investigate. Identified as a submarine, as per orders Unit proceeded to encircle submarine. At 12.45 pm. in position 57.10N 1.20E with OKU and RODINO , opened fire at 4000 yds, range found and one shot observed to strike submarine aft; fire returned directing shots at each trawler alternatively. Submarine after gun ceased firing engaged by forward gun but shots failing short, with periscope and part conning tower shot away and listing to port, appeared to be attempting to submerge. With OKU intended to ram but submarine headed for KIMBERLEY which made ramming impossible as submarine was was approaching within 8 ft of KIMBERLEY, broadside on with very little way on. As KIMBERLEY passed she fired three shots into the submarine at point blank range, submarine at the time being heeled over heavily to port sinking stern first. Submarine sank at once after last shot fired with a large quantity of oil on the surface. Time 1.30 pm. Unit fired 58 shots in all and submarine about 20. (** See Note 2). Northern Patrol.
Post 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Hull.
4.12.1919: Sold to Fresh Fish Supplies Ltd, Hull (Thomas Nightingale, manager).
4.1923: Sold to Henry Elliott, Fleetwood (managing owner).
13.4.1923: Hull registry closed.
18.4.1923: Registered at Fleetwood (FD426).
08.07.1923: Sold to The Sun Steam Trawling Co Ltd, Fleetwood (James W. Armitage, manager).
4.6.1926: Fishing near Clachaig Point, Arran. Arrested by Scottish Fishery Board cruiser VIGILANT (Capt Simpson) after a 15 mile chase having refused to stop and having name and number of vessel obscured.
10.8.1926: At Rothesay Sheriff Court, Sk. George Hughes pleaded guilty to both charges and in view of previous convictions was fined £20 on the first charge, £50 on the second with the alternative of 40 days/three months imprisonment.
4.1928: Sold to The Trident Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Hull (G. A. Ledger, manager).
18.4.1928: Fleetwood registry closed.
20.4.1928: Registered at Hull as DUNGENESS (H418).
25.7.1939: Insured value £4,800.
5.1940: Requisitioned for war service as an anti-submarine trawler (P.No.NI) (Hire rate £70.2.8d/month).
15.11.1940: Damaged by German air attack off Hammonds Knoll, stayed afloat and beached on Haisborough Sands, Norfolk; Ty/Prob Skipper C. W. Needham RNR and crew saved. Subsequently declared a total loss.
16.1.1947: Hull registry closed.

*Note 1: Research by Peter Bell and Michael Lowery has identified the submarine as U19. In her KTB she claimed two hits on CAMEO and accurate firing from CAMEO’s 3-pdr. Sk. Sayer was awarded DSC and gunner the DSM.

**Note 2 : Despite this encounter being well recorded in the Patrol Reports, and the description of the submarine fitting a U-series torpedo attack boat, we have failed to identify the submarine. Michael Lowery has investigated with the following comment. “May 27 incident involving SEA RANGER, OKU, RODINO, and KIMBERLEY: checked the KTBs of U 24, U 32, U 43, U 44, U 46, U 47, U 51, U 52, U 63, U 66, U 67, U 70 — no luck. These are, I think, all the U-series torpedo attack boats that were at sea at that time.” Subsequently in U66 KTB is a report of intercepting a British radio message “… proceeding to fifty seven twenty seven — to assist SEA RANGER engaging submarine.”

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S.T. Dungeness H418

S.T. Dungeness H418
Picture from the Internet

Changelog
04/01/2009: Page published. 5 updates since then.
16/09/2015: Picture added.
30/07/2017: Removed FMHT watermark.
31/07/2021: Updated history.

S.T. Sea King GY1251

Additional information courtesy of Bill Blow

Technical

Official Number: 139309
Yard Number: 667
Completed: 1916
Gross Tonnage: 321
Net Tonnage: 130
Length: 138.6 ft
Breadth: 23.5 ft
Depth: 12.6 ft
Engine: 575ihp T.3-cyl and boiler by C. D. Holmes Ltd, Hull
Built: Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby

History

3.6.1916: Launched by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby (Yd.No.667) for J. H. Robins & Co Ltd, Hull as SEA KING.
12.1916: Completed.
3.1.1917: Registered at Hull (H531).
1.1917: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (1-12pdr) (Ad.No.3321) operated as a “Q” ship REMEXO.
11.1918: Sold to Grant & Baker Steam Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Grimsby (Arthur Grant, manager).
1.11.1918: Hull registry closed.
8.11.1918: Registered at Grimsby (GY1251). Northern Patrol.
By 12.3.1919: Returned to owner at Grimsby.
15.8.1929: Vessel mortgaged (64/64) to National Provincial Bank Ltd, London (A).
23.8.1929: John Wilfred Grant appointed manager.
24.6.1932: Sold by mortgagee under mortgage (A) to Howe Steam Fishing Co Ltd (64/64), Grimsby.
24.6.1932: Hugh Bourne Grant, appointed manager.
14.1.1934: Took onboard crew (ex Skipper and Ch. Eng.) of trawler St. ENDELLION (LO115) stranded south of Kopervik, Norway.
6.3.1934: Sold to Boston Deep Sea Fishing & Ice Co Ltd (64/64), Fleetwood.
8.3.1934: Basil Arthur Parkes, Cleveleys appointed manager.
25.4.1934: Vessel mortgaged (64/64) to Midland Bank Ltd, London (B).
5.4.1936: Mortgage (B) discharged.
27.8.1939: Requisitioned for war service as a minesweeper (P.No.NI)(Hire rate £93.12.6d/month). Based Grimsby with M/S Group 40.
9.10.1940: Mined 28 miles from Bull Sand Fort, Grimsby Road; thirteen crew killed.
24.5.1944: Grimsby registry closed “Ship lost on Admiralty service 10.9.1940.”

(Killed – Ty/Sk. Leslie Rushby; Ty/Act/Sk. Thomas Sleeth; George E. Atkinson & Wilfred S. Lancaster, Enginemen; William C. Montier, AB; Francis W. Bruce, David W. Dickson, David F. Noble, seamen; Thomas M. Bexfield, seaman/steward; Stanley Cudworth, seaman/cook; Harold A. Hudson, O/telegraphist; James P. Sleeman, stoker; Ronald Peck, stoker 2c.)

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S.T. Sea King GY1251

S.T. Sea King GY1251
Picture courtesy of Fred Baker

Changelog
04/01/2009: Page published. 4 updates since then.