BONITA
Shipbuildervessel built by
Alexander HALL & Co.
(Footdee, Aberdeen)
Date1848
Object NameSHIP
MediumWOOD
ClassificationsShip
Dimensionslength 134.7' x breadth 22.5' x depth 15.2'
gross tonnage 299 tons
gross tonnage 299 tons
Object numberABDSHIP001053
Keywords
Yard Number: 165
Fate: unknown, last in Lloyd's 1867 (B372).
Propulsion: Sail
Description: Ship rigged clipper, barque rigged from 1856, wood sheathed with yellow metal.
Owners:
1850-53: Kelly & Co., registered at Liverpool.
1854-65: Vining & Co.
Masters:
1850-53: Master W. Kelly
1854-56: Master Sturmey
1857-58: Master Connell
1859-61: Master J. Smith
1862-67: Master O'Donnell
Voyages
1850-67: Liverpool - Pernambuco (Recife, Brazil).
General History:
01/05/1857:
COLLISION: The BONITA of Liverpool, Connell, Master.
Mr. Hamerton moved, on the part William Whyte, of Glasgow, merchant, sole owner of the steamer SEVILANO for fiat against the ship BONITA, of Liverpool, in a cause of collision. [...] The steamer had sailed from the Clyde the month of March last, bound for Seville, in ballast, having on board a full and competent crew; but becoming disabled in her machinery, and unable to proceed with steam on her voyage, was proceeding under all the canvass she could carry towards Holyhead, for the purpose being repaired. She had hoisted on the masthead good light, visible to any vessel which had a look out. On the morning of the 2d of April Inst, the master was on deck and had a proper look-out board the wind blowing E S E, with any way on her at the time, when he discovered a vessel approaching them and continued see it for 10 minutes. The vessel so approaching was hailed by the steamer and the binnacle light aft was held attract its attention; the masthead light was burning bright on the Steamer, and her helm was immediately put hard a-port. The vessel, however, never altered her course, but came right on, and struck tho steamer abaft the paddle box, knocked down the funnel, smashed the only boat onboard, knocked down the mainmast, and carried away the starboard bulwarks, doing other damage. The master of the steamer seeing the water rushing over the deck, fearing she might go down, and having no other means of saving the lives of his crew, the only boat having been broken, ordered up all hands, and with the exception of one who continued below, got on board the vessel which had run into then, and which they then ascertained to be the ship BONITA, of Liverpool, bound for Pernambuco, with a general cargo. The entanglement consequent upon the collision continued for some time, and it was by exertions of the master of the steamer in backing the yards that the vessels last got clear of each other [...] the master of the steamer, wore his vessel until daylight to ascertain she could saved. In this they were fortunate [...] She is now lying in the port of Dublin. The court granted motion.
(Southern Reporter and Cork Commercial Courier)
Note: Cost at construction, £4,902 (Builder's list in Lloyd's Library of the Aberdeen Maritime Museum)
