More information : Propulsion: Screw driven, 4 cylinder compound engine
Year Built: 1860
Builder: Richardson Duck and Co.
Where Built: Stockton
Engine HP: 45
Boilers: 1
Owner: Osborn and Wallace
Master: W Fryer
Crew: 7
Carrying a mixed cargo of petroleum and benzoline in casks, 100 of which were stowed on deck, this vessel sailed from Cardiff at 4.30pm on the 14th and fire was discovered on board when about 10m off Hartland Point. The fire was discovered shortly after midnight in the engine room which spread very quickly and the crew, fearing an explosion took to the boats and landed at Compass Point, Bude. The local lifeboat which had gone to their assistance returned at 11am. After drifting all day the burning steamship went ashore 1.5 miles NE of Boscastle watched by hundreds of spectators. Soon after stranding the vessel gave a heavy lurch and what remained of her cargo was thrown into the sea. As each cask of petroleum touched the water it burst into flames and the sea for a great distance in all directions appeared to be on fire. After the fire died down, the wreck was seen to have one side stove in, and only her engine, boilers, anchors, cable and 15 tons of coal appear worth saving.
`Caught fire in a position given as 10 miles SW 0.5 W of Hartland Point, after which she drifted ashore and burn out, exact location unknown.' (6)
Source (4) states vessel burnt 12 miles NW of Bude and was afterwards stranded. |