Title
Lowestoft lugger "Girl Annie" ashore Redworks
Subject
Fish Boat Sail
Fishermen Cliff
Description
The boat is LT 53 "Girl Annie".
Account given at the inquest as reported in the Cornishman 1908-06-11
The stranding of the Lowestoft sailing trawler Girl Annie, near Pordenack Point, Land's End, on May 4th 1908, was investigated at a Board of Trade inquiry held at Lowestoft on Thursday. The local trawling industry was strongly represented, and took keen interest in the proceedings. In opening the inquiry on behalf of the Board of Trade, Mr. Wiltshire said the Girl Annie was, of 53 tons register, and was built six years ago at cost of over £1,400. She was insured for £1,000, and carried a crew of five hands. The vessel left Padstow for Lowestoft on May 3rd, and stranded early on the following day. On Sunday night there was thick fog. The Longships was sighted twelve miles distant, but both this and Pendeen were subsequently obscured by fog. The skipper judged the distance, and kept the foghorn going regularly. At midnight the skipper reckoned he was four or five miles from the Longships. Half an hour later the vessel was put about, Just before two o'clock skipper was below, after ordering the mate to keep a south by east course. It was still foggy, and at 2:40 the vessel struck on Pordenick Point. The mate at first told him they had collided with a ship. The vessel made water fast, and seing it was imposible to save her, as her stern was settling down, they all got into a smal boat, rowed ashore, and informed the coast- guard, who subsequently assisted them to save some of the vessel's gear. Evidence was given by Albert Lockwood, the skipper, who said he took no bearings on Sunday night. He considered they were about six miles north of Pendeen light at ten o'clock, although he did not consult his chart or use his patent log. Witness considered it safe to go below, although he had lost the Longships and Wolf Rock. He did not instruct the mate to use the lead, though he was aware that water shoaled towards the shore. He was surprised to find the vesel on, the rocks, and did not notice at the time whether her course had been altered. The mate had been with him three years, and he felt justified in leaving the vessel in his charge in a thick fog. Cross-examined: He now agreed that the cause of the mishap was his remaining on the eastern track too long. He had sailed that coast for ten years, Thomas Garwood, the mate, said when he took the tiller, just before two, he saw no lights, and did not know where the Longships light was, though he admitted he must have passed close to it. He saw nothing in front, neither did he hear any breakers before the vessel struck. The lead was below, and had never been used for ten weeks. It was not customary to use it. Other evidence having been called at considerable length, Mr. Chamberlain, who represented the owner contended that the skipper was seriously to blame for having set the wrong course, On his own evidence he had cut matters very fine. and was practically guilty of wrongful navigation. The Court adjourned until Friday.
The stranding of the Lowestoft sailing trawler Girl Annie, near Pordenack Point, Land's End, on May 4th 1908, was investigated at a Board of Trade inquiry held at Lowestoft on Thursday. The local trawling industry was strongly represented, and took keen interest in the proceedings. In opening the inquiry on behalf of the Board of Trade, Mr. Wiltshire said the Girl Annie was, of 53 tons register, and was built six years ago at cost of over £1,400. She was insured for £1,000, and carried a crew of five hands. The vessel left Padstow for Lowestoft on May 3rd, and stranded early on the following day. On Sunday night there was thick fog. The Longships was sighted twelve miles distant, but both this and Pendeen were subsequently obscured by fog. The skipper judged the distance, and kept the foghorn going regularly. At midnight the skipper reckoned he was four or five miles from the Longships. Half an hour later the vessel was put about, Just before two o'clock skipper was below, after ordering the mate to keep a south by east course. It was still foggy, and at 2:40 the vessel struck on Pordenick Point. The mate at first told him they had collided with a ship. The vessel made water fast, and seing it was imposible to save her, as her stern was settling down, they all got into a smal boat, rowed ashore, and informed the coast- guard, who subsequently assisted them to save some of the vessel's gear. Evidence was given by Albert Lockwood, the skipper, who said he took no bearings on Sunday night. He considered they were about six miles north of Pendeen light at ten o'clock, although he did not consult his chart or use his patent log. Witness considered it safe to go below, although he had lost the Longships and Wolf Rock. He did not instruct the mate to use the lead, though he was aware that water shoaled towards the shore. He was surprised to find the vesel on, the rocks, and did not notice at the time whether her course had been altered. The mate had been with him three years, and he felt justified in leaving the vessel in his charge in a thick fog. Cross-examined: He now agreed that the cause of the mishap was his remaining on the eastern track too long. He had sailed that coast for ten years, Thomas Garwood, the mate, said when he took the tiller, just before two, he saw no lights, and did not know where the Longships light was, though he admitted he must have passed close to it. He saw nothing in front, neither did he hear any breakers before the vessel struck. The lead was below, and had never been used for ten weeks. It was not customary to use it. Other evidence having been called at considerable length, Mr. Chamberlain, who represented the owner contended that the skipper was seriously to blame for having set the wrong course, On his own evidence he had cut matters very fine. and was practically guilty of wrongful navigation. The Court adjourned until Friday.
Date
1908-05-04
Format
Print
Identifier
FISH 12HF 046
Coverage
Lands End
Pordenick Point
Period Costume
N