Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

British Merchant Sailing Vessel, 1862

Monument Types

• WRECK (Post Medieval - 1862 AD to 1862 AD)

Full description

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Sailed on 12-NOV-1862 and at 2.40am on the 15th Orford Ness light was seen to starboard, some 5 to 6 miles distant. The vessel was proceeding at about 8 knots with all plain sail set. At 3.30am the Shipwash light was sighted 5 miles distant and the same course continued. The tide had been setting west for four hours, but the mate who had charge of the watch took no precaution to guard against it, keeping the ship on the same course. At 4.15am the mate was relieved by the master and having consulted regarding the ship's position, they were satisfied, and that the course steered would carry her a mile or a mile and a half east of the Kentish Knock light. On reference to the charts, the board of inquiry found this assumption totally unfounded and that the course steered would have taken the ship onto the Kentish Knock Sand. From the evidence, it appears that the hand lead was used, but since the vessel was not slowed, the depths taken were incorrect. It was judged that the vessel was lost by default of the Master and his certificate was duly suspended for 12 months. Master: Thomas Parker Marshall Crew: 10 Crew Lost: 0 Passengers: 0 Date of Loss Qualifier: A

<1> United Kingdom shipwreck index, Page Nos. N/a (Bibliographic reference). SKE6340.

<2> Board of Trade Casualty Returns, 1862 (Inquiries), Page Nos. 77 (Bibliographic reference). SKE6357.

Sources and further reading