LEICHHARDT

Shipbuildervessel built by Alexander HALL & Co. (Footdee, Aberdeen)

Date1853

Object NameCLIPPER

MediumWOOD

ClassificationsShip

Dimensionslength 152.8' x breadth 26.9' x depth 18'
gross tonnage 589 tons

Object numberABDSHIP001074

Keywords

Aberdeen Built Ships

About MeYard: Alexander Hall & Co.
Yard Number: 186

Fate: Sunk at the Nore, River Thames, 23 October 1868.

Propulsion: Sail
Description: Ship rigged clipper

Owners:
1853-64: Barnes Bros., registered at Liverpool.
1865-68: J. Prowse, registered at London.

Masters:
1853-56: Master H. Okley
1858-62: Master R. Barratt
1863-64: Master T. Clark
1865-67: Master J. Sennett
1868-69: Master Phillips

Voyages (Lloyd's Register):
1853-54: Aberdeen - Australia
1855-56: Liverpool - Singapore
1857: Liverpool - India
1858-62: London
1863-64: Liverpool - China
1865-68: London - New Zealand

General History:
27/10/1868:
At about 7.45 on Friday evening, remarkably fine and clear night with bright moonlight, the full-rigged ship LEICHHARDT, with 26 passengers and general cargo, was run down at entrance to Thames, about 2 miles below The Nore, by the screw steamer NORTH STAR, also outward bound. LEICHHARDT was proceeding with lights according to the rules when some of passengers and crew saw that NORTH STAR was making direct for their ship. Chief Mate and some of crew hailed the steamer, but no notice was taken of their cries. NORTH STAR came on at full speed and with tremendous force struck the port side, the force of the collision forcing her round and clear. Captain Phillips saw that the LEICHHARDT was filling and in a few minutes must founder. Chief Mate and most of the men had jumped aboard the NORTH STAR, which showed no symptoms of rendering help. With remaining crew Capt. Phillips got pumps working and women and children away in boats to NORTH STAR. Spanish steamer BEATRICE then sent boats which rescued remaining passengers and crew just in time before LEICHHARDT foundered. Capt. Wallace of NORTH STAR claimed his ship was in charge of pilot, that 10 minutes before collision, when he went to his cabin to consults charts, he saw the ship at anchor and then course should have taken NORTH STAR clear to starboard.
(Leeds Mercury)

05/11/1868:
Board of Trade have issued instructions to hold enquiry into loss of ship LEICHHARDT, run down while at anchor below The Nore by steamer NORTH STAR. Many of the passengers have been reduced to poverty by loss of all they possessed and subscription has been opened in London for their relief.
(Liverpool Mercury)

Notes: Contract cost £9176 (Builder's List held in the Lloyd's Library of the Aberdeen Maritime Museum)