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NATAL STAR

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

Date1862

Object NameCLIPPER

MediumWOOD

ClassificationsShip

Dimensionslength 137 5/12' x breadth 26' x depth 14 9/12'
Gross Tonnage: 366 ton

Object numberABDSHIP001117

Keywords

Aberdeen Built Ships

About MeYard: Alexander Hall & Co.
Yard Number: 230
Official Number: 45203

Fate: wrecked 1.5 miles east of Buffalo River, East London, South Africa, 19 July 1874.

Propulsion: Sail
Description: Ship rigged clipper, 1 deck and a break, 3 masts, round stern, carvel built, shield figurehead.

Owners:
15/12/1862: Registered at Aberdeen for owners;
John Thomson Rennie, shipowner, 48 shares; John Nesbit Forbes, master mariner, Aberdeen, 8 shares; John Thomas Deane, merchant, London, 8 shares.
This vessel was wrecked (Cape of Good Hope) on 19 July 1874 during a gale, 1.5 miles east of Buffalo River, East London, South Africa on route from London to East London with general cargo. No lives were lost.
(Source: Aberdeen Register of Shipping (Aberdeen CIty Archives))

Masters
1863-65: Master J. Forbes
1866-67: Master A. Hodge
1868: Master A. Hope
1869-73: Master F. Airth

Voyages:
1863-73: London - Natal

General History:
10/12/1862:
There was launched, on Monday last, from Messrs Hall’s Building-Yard, a clipper ship named the “NATAL STAR” The tonnage of this vessel is 366, N.M., 425, B.M. She is the property of our townsman, John T. Rennie, Esq., and is to be commanded by Captain Forbes, late of the “HUGUENOT.” The “NATAL STAR” made an excellent launch, and is a 9 years A 1 clipper
(Aberdeen Journal)

27/12/1862:
Terrific gale in North Sea from NW & NNW, Ship "NATAL STAR", Forbes, of and for Aberdeen was towed into Harwich by Yarmouth tug "ANDREW WODEHOUSE"
(Ipswich Journal)

27/12/1862:
The ship "NATAL STAR," Forbes, of and from Aberdeen, for London, was towed with cutwater, figure-head, bowsprit, &c, carried away, having been in collision in the Wold with the LUCERNE" (s.s), afterwards anchored in Yarmouth roads, and was towed into harbour by "ANDREW WODEHOUSE," Yarmouth tug. Prior to the collision she lost anchor and 120 fathoms of chain.
(Norfolk Chronicle)

08/03/1865:
Capt. John Nisbet Forbes, commander of "NATAL STAR" of Aberdeen, died at sea 18 February, on passage home from Natal.
(Aberdeen Journal)

11/11/1868:
Capt. A. McKay Hodge of ship "NATAL STAR" died at sea near Natal 15 September. He was 4th son of Mr W. Hodge, cooper, Banff, and was aged 31 years.
(Aberdeen Journal)

05/08/1869:
On voyage London-Natal, [NATAL STAR was] spoken with, 48 days out. Lat. 18S, Long. 34N. [Atlantic Ocean off Brazil]
(Glasgow Herald)

28/09/1874:
ABERDEEN. Wreck of the NATAL STAR. —The Court of Inquiry held at East London, regarding the loss of the barque NATAL STAR, of Aberdeen, Captain Airth, is of opinion that the NATAL STAR was wrecked the 19th July through heavy rollers setting in upon the coast, and that her loss is not attributable to the neglect of the mate or those on board the vessel.
(Dundee Courier)

Notes: Contract cost, £6,039 (Builder's List held in Lloyd's Library of Aberdeen Maritime Museum)
09/12/1871: Re-rigged as a barque (Aberdeen Register)