Additional information couresy of Christine Simm

Technical

Official Number: 98562
Yard Number: 173
Completed: 1891
Gross Tonnage: 166.99
Net Tonnage: 43.46
L.O.A: 110.0 ft
Length: 102.6 ft
Breadth: 20.7 ft
Depth: 11.3 ft
Engine: C.2-cyl and boiler by Hall, Russell & Co Ltd, Aberdeen
Built: J. Duthie, Sons & Co, Aberdeen, 1891

History

22.6.1891: Launched by Miss Nelly Duthie at John Duthie, Son & Co, Aberdeen (Yd.No.173) for Peter Johnstone & David Sherrit (64/64 joint owners), Nigg as SUNRISE.
3.7.1891: Registered at Aberdeen (A648). Peter Johnstone designated managing owner.
7.1891: Completed.
24.9.1891: At Aberdeen from a Dogger Bank trip landed 210 boxes, mainly haddocks, which realised £260.
5.11.1891: At Aberdeen Sheriff’s Court, Edward Hows, cook, was charged with having on the 4th November while at sea, assaulted the skipper Robert Payne, knocking out one of his teeth. Accused pleaded guilty, but said he was so drunk at the time he did not know what he was doing. Fined 20s or ten days imprisonment.
11.2.1892: Berthed at Aberdeen. At about 4.40pm, Robert Seller, fisherman, 19 College Street, Aberdeen descending from the fish quay to the vessel slipped and fell to the stone pitching below the wharf, a distance of twelve feet. Crew members lifted him on deck where he lay concussed for about a quarter of an hour. Examined by Dr McDonald he was found to have severe head injuries and was conveyed home by cab.
18.2.1892: Reported by the Findochty fishing boat DOUGLAS (BF949) that when shooting his great lines, some four miles off Clyth Head, the trawler trawled across his course. He signalled to the trawler to keep clear and afterwards to steam ahead more quickly allow the boat to pass, but no attention was paid. The fishing boat’s helm was put down, but while coming to the wind the boat struck the trawler’s port quarter breaking her bowsprit and stem. A claim of £15 has accordingly been filed against the trawler and a report made to Mr Robertson, fishery officer, Wick.
9.6.1893: Berthed at Albert Quay, Aberdeen. Shortly after 4.00pm John Richardson, fisherman, while coming ashore from the trawler, lost his balance and fell between the vessel and the wall onto the stone pitching. He was picked up unconscious and taken by cab to Dr Robertson’s surgery where he was found he had a received a severe scalp wound.
28.12.1893: At Aberdeen Police Court, James McKay, labourer, Exchequer Row and William Gordon, Carter, Albion Street were charged with attempting to steal a cartload of coals. Henry Finley, carter was engaged driving coals from the Sunderland registered steamer HARRATON (678grt/1867) to the trawler, which was then berthed at Market Quay and taking bunker coal. On his way in Commercial Road he met the two accused and promising them the “price of a drink”, he went to a neighbouring public house, leaving them to keep charge of the horse and cart until he returned or deliver the load to the trawler. At the same time he gave them two check tickets, one to be delivered to the consignee and the other to be signed by the consignee and retained as a receipt by the carter. McKay went to the trawler and pretending that the coals had been delivered obtained a signature from the Ch. Eng. The charges were found proven, the crime was serious one and difficult to detect. McKay, who had recently been convicted of theft, was sent to prison for fourteen days: Gordon, who had not been convicted for nine years had the option of a fine of 21s, ten days in jail.
28.6.1894: In the morning when some nine miles off Girdleness, fell in with the ketch ORIENT (58nrt/1870) (Capt Macbeth), disabled with mainmast broken and carried overboard as a result of gale force winds the previous day. Connected and brought safely into the harbour.
16.11.1895: During a severe gale the previous day, swept by heavy seas that carried away her boat.
18.12.1895: Sailed Aberdeen for the fishing grounds (Sk. William Leslie). The passage to the grounds some 100 miles north was very stormy and after fishing for several days there was a fairly good catch onboard.
24.12.1895: At 6.30am left the fishing grounds for Aberdeen. The weather was boisterous and when in the vicinity of Rattray Head, between three and four o’clock in the afternoon a violent gale was blowing. The trawler continued to make satisfactory progress and Girdleness was sighted. As the green lights were showing at the entrance to the harbour the order was given to ‘heave to’, placing the head to the sea. The second fisherman, James Smith and David Fouquet, deckhand, were left in command while the crew went below for tea. Suddenly a noise was heard by the men below and the skipper rushed on deck where he found that the port beam and net had been carried overboard. All available hands were called on deck, including the second fisherman, who left the wheel. The men had succeeded in getting about half of the net onboard when another heavy sea fell on the vessel and carried the skipper; Ernest Fouquet, the mate; James Smith, the third hand; John Still, the cook; John Rae, deckhand and George Brown (22), the second engineer, overboard. Brown, however, was swept back on deck and dashed against the galley, ending up on top and suffering a scalp wound. David Fouquet, another deck hand was also swept into the galley. George Watson, the Ch. Eng and Young, the fireman, had been engaged in removing water that had flooded into the engineroom. Brown and Fouquet were both in shock and on recovery Brown went down into the engineroom to see if any of the missing men were there. Watson was horrified to find that five of his shipmates were gone and being the senior man left he took command. Fouquet was put on the wheel, while Brown and Young were sent to attend to the engine. The trawler’s head was turned to the sea and they resolved to ride out the gale.
25.12.1895: Overnight the trawler was swept several times and pushed out to sea but as daylight approached the wind moderated and they made for the harbour. Before crossing the bar they shipped one or two heavy seas but entered the channel safely. At 9.00am berthed at the Fish Market, reported the loss of the five men *. Landed 70 boxes.
8.1.1897: At Aberdeen landed a 13ft shark weighing 13cwt, which was purchased by Mr R. Walker Jnr, fish merchant.
8.4.1897: Arrived Aberdeen from Hamburg with a hopper barge in tow. The barge was built at Brunsbüttel, to the order of Mitchell & Rae Ltd, Newburgh and the trawler chartered to deliver to Newburgh. Whenever the state of tide will permit the trawler to cross the Ythan bar, she will be delivered.
6.2.1899: Arrived Aberdeen from Faroe grounds (Sk. Booth) and reported a narrow escape from being heavily fined for having been within the three mile limit with trawl gear on deck. A new Danish Act came into force on 1 February which requires any foreign trawler within the three mile limit to have trawl gear stowed below. The law further prohibits any foreign trawler entering a Faroe port, unless under stress of weather or want of provisions or medical attention under penalty of £125 fine. Further only engine repairs to be carried out and not to fishing gear. Owing to strong currents running, Sk. Booth took the trawler into Fugelsfjord where he was arrested and taken to Thorshavn and put before the magistrate’s court. Pleading ignorance of the New Act, he was acquitted on condition that he left the port within two hours. The trawlers registration certificate was endorsed, so that should the vessel be again apprehended in similar circumstances, the full penalty would be inflicted.
18.9.1902: In the Albert Basin, Aberdeen, at about 5.45pm in preparation for going to sea and going astern from Point Law, despite warning, fouled and parted the cable on the ferry. Alexander Gray, engineer, employed by the Harbour Commissioners had a narrow escape when the wire parted.
8.1.1903: FOR SALE, ONE 1-64TH SHARE in each of the Steam Trawlers “SUNLIGHT” and “SUNRISE, ” belonging to a deceased owner. Apply Messrs ROBERTSON, Solicitors, 18 King Street, Aberdeen.
17.8.1903: At Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Mr Peter Johnstone, fish salesman and trawler owner declared bankrupt. He held 10/64 shares in the trawler which cost £740 and were now valued at £150. Unsecured creditors £14,655 5s 5d – deficiency £10,349 19s 5d.
3.1.1905: At Aberdeen Sheriff court, Joseph Ballard, skipper of the trawler, 108 Victoria Road, Torry, was charged with having on the 29th December 1904, seen to be trawling within the three mile limit in Aberdeen Bay. He pleaded not guilty and the case was adjourned for a week for trial.
11.1.1905: After evidence from the commander and mate of the fishery cruiser BRENDA (174grt/1898) the case was proven and taking into account previous convictions, Ballard was fined £75 or 40 days imprisonment.
10.2.1905: EXCELLENT INVESTMENT. For sale by Public Roup, within the offices of GRAY and KELLER, Solicitors, 207 Onion Street, Aberdeen, on FRIDAY 24th February current, at 12 o’clock Noon, THREE 1-64 SHARES in the Steam Screw Trawler “SUNRISE” of Aberdeen, also TWO 1-64 SHARES in the Steam Trawler “SUNBEAM,”of Aberdeen, belonging to a Bankrupt’s Estate, at 3-7th part of original cost in order to ensure competition. Upset price £50. For further particulars, apply to GRAY and KELLER.
3.6.1907: The body of John Keith Mitchell, deckhand, in the trawler was found floating in Albert Basin, Aberdeen at nightfall. Mitchell who was from Newburgh and lodged at 4 Marywell Street was last seen on the morning of 30 May at Point Law when it is supposed he fell into the water. The area was dragged but without success.
7.2.1908: Arrived Aberdeen in tow of steam drifter BERYL (INS353), picked up some 60 miles off Aberdeen disabled with machinery problems.
16.4.1908: The body of John Bond, skipper of the trawler, was recovered in Kirkwall Bay, a few yards seaward of the NE corner of the pier. Bond went missing early morning on 1st March and although the area in the vicinity of the pier was dragged, the body was not found.
1908: David Sherrit, Aberdeen designated managing owner.
27.5.1909: Following satisfactory landings by the steam trawler SUNLIGHT (A766) fishing out of Troon, it was planned that the following trawlers would be transferred to the West Coast port; SUNRAY (A660), SUNRISE (A648), SUNSHINE (A322), WILLIAM OSTEN (A856) and ERN (BF1402).
1.9.1909: Sold, along with SUNRAY to Alfred John Freeth, North Shields (64/64). Alfred John Freeth designated managing owner.
4.9.1909: Berthed at North Shields. James McKie, Ch Eng, 67 Coronation Street, North Shields, was working in the engineroom when a steam pipe burst and the engine room was filled with scalding steam. Efforts by the crew, led by the owner, Mr Freeth, resulted in McKie being rescued. Badly scalded about the face and in an exhausted state he was taken to the Quaymaster’s Office where first aid and then medical attention was given.
14.6.1915: Sold to Robert & Joseph Moon (64/64 joint owners), Aberdeen.
4.12.1916: Sold to Thomas Main (64/64), Aberdeen. Thomas Main designated managing owner.
29.5.1917: Requisitioned for Fishery Reserve.
25.9.1917: Sold to Noah Ashworth & Cecil Whitaker Barratt, Fleetwood. Joseph A. Taylor designated manager.
14.3.1918: At Fleetwood Magistrate’s Court, Thomas Malley (17), a fireman in the trawler, was charged with disobeying a lawful command on 15th March. He was to join the ship at 11.00am, which was part of a convoy to the fishing grounds, but failed to put in an appearance. A substitute had to be found and taken out to Lune Deeps to join. On account of his age and previous good character he was discharged with costs.
15.3.1918: Sold to The Red Rose Steam Trawlers Ltd (64/64), Fleetwood.
1919: Released.
26.2.1919: Aberdeen registry closed.
27.2.1919: Registered at Fleetwood (FD28). Joseph A. Taylor, designated manager.
24.12.1924: Sold to Cevic Steam Fishing Co Ltd, Fleetwood. Charles H. Friswell, designated manager.
25.10.1925: At Fleetwood Magistrate’s Court, Robert Wilson, a deck hand in the trawler, was charged with disobeying a lawful command on 8th October. He was to join the ship at 12.30pm, but failed to turn up and was found in a public house refusing to go to sea. The trawler was delayed for 24 hours Wilson who had not been before the court previously, was fined 20s plus advocate’s fee.
24.11.1928: A rumour was current in Fleetwood that the trawler had stranded and that the crew had been saved. Later in the day the owners received a message stating that the trawler was safe in the shelter of Ramsey Bay.
22.1.1929: Returning to Fleetwood from the fishing grounds, in the Wyre Channel on the morning tide, stranded on the sands opposite the Mount Hotel. Refloated on the evening tide and came into Fleetwood.
1930: Sold to Maurice Guillaume, Lorient.
3.1.1930: Sailed Fleetwood with a French skipper and mixed Fleetwood/French crew bound for Boulogne.
14.1.1930: Fleetwood registry closed.
1.1930: Registered Lorient as Maurice René.
1930: Lorient registry closed.
1930: Registered at St. Nazaire.
4.1.1939: At Lorient broke moorings, subsequently in collision and foundered. St. Nazaire registry closed.

Lost * : All Aberdeen. Sk. William L. Leslie (36), Virginia Street; Ernest Izador William Fouquet (28), Mate, 29 Cotton Street; James Gordon Smith (24), Second fisherman, 15 James Street; John Rae (45), deckhand, 7 Bannermill Street; John Still (59), cook, 21 East North Street.

Changelog
20/12/2008: Page published. 2 updates since then.
20/08/2016: Information added.
16/04/2023: Major update to history.