DENMORE
Shipbuildervessel built by
Alexander HALL & Co.
(Footdee, Aberdeen)
DateFebruary 1878
Object NameSCREW STEAMER
MediumIRON
ClassificationsShip
Dimensionslength 155.8' x breadth 21.3' x depth: 11.4'
gross tonnage: 328 tons
gross tonnage: 328 tons
Object numberABDSHIP001183
Keywords
Yard Number: 295
Official Number: 77443
Fate: wrecked on the Isle of May, Firth of Forth, 20 March 1879.
Propulsion: Steam
Description: Screw steamer, iron frame, 1 deck, raised quarterdeck 57', 2 masts, schooner rigged, elliptical stern, clench built, double bottom, 4 bulkheads.
Owners:
23/03/1878: Registered at Aberdeen for owner;
Alexander Nicol, shipowner, Aberdeen, 64 shares.
28/03/1878: Nicol 4 shares to Alexander Marr, merchant's clerk; 4 to Charles Christie, manufacturer; 4 to James Marr, merchant; 8 to John Blaikie Nicol, shipowner; 4 to James Scott, agent.
29/03/1878: A. Marr 1 share - John Hunter, mercantile clerk, all Aberdeen and 1 share - James Lawrence Geddes, mercantile clerk, Newhills, Aberdeenshire.
01/04/1878: Alexander Nicol 2 shares - Charles Gordon jr., merchant and 4 - William Shepherd, master mariner, both Aberdeen.
10/04/1878: A. Nicol 4 shares - Charles Christie, shipowner, Aberdeen.
26/12/1878: A. Marr 2 shares - Charles Christie.
20/03/1879: Vessel lost off Isle of May.
(Aberdeen Register of Ships (Aberdeen City Archives))
Master:
1878-79: Master R. Crombie.
General History:
08/06/1878:
Friday night last Aberdeen steamer DENMORE, Capt. Crombie, arrived at Dundee under tow. She was on voyage Aberdeen - Amble (Northumberland), and was near Bell Rock when a portion of her machinery broke down. She was picked up by Dundee tug FLYING SCOTSMAN and towed to Dundee, where repairs will be carried out. Her owners Nicol & Co., of Aberdeen, summoned a tug by telegram to the Dundee harbour master, but FLYING SCOTSMAN was already in the area.
(Aberdeen Weekly Journal)
20/03/1879: DENMORE [wrecked at] Isle of May, Firth of Forth, voyage Leith-Aberdeen. Cargo bagged flour. Capt. Crombie in haze and after being confused by lights of other ships struck rocks on N.W. of May Island shortly after 3.00am. Managed to back off rocks, but found forehead filling rapidly. 4.30am fell over on her port side, was abandoned and sank.
Richard and Bridget Larn (1997), "Shipwreck Register of British Isles" (Lloyd's Register, London), vol. 4, section 1)
21/03/1879:
Steamer DENMORE, Capt. R. Crombie, left Leith shortly before midnight on Wednesday for Aberdeen with a valuable cargo of flour. Weather was clear at time of sailing, but dense fog subsequently fell down and great caution had to be exercised in navigating as it was impossible to see any distance ahead. She proceeded slowly on her course until 3 in the morning, when she suddenly struck on the May Island. Engines were immediately reversed and after a short time she got clear of the rocks. It was then discovered that a large hole had been made in starboard bow and water gained so rapidly that forepart of steamer began to sink. Capt. Crombie immediately ordered engines to be put on at full speed in hope of being able to reach the land, strenuous efforts being made to keep water under by means of pumping. However, forepart sank deeper and propeller was lifted almost out of the water and tags made useless. Part of the crew now took to the boats and kept alongside, 5 being left aboard. About 5a.m., when DENMORE was nearly 3 miles off May Island and fast sinking, the whole of the crew being now in their 2 boats, the Dundee and Liverpool steamer PRINCESS ALICE came in sight. Capt. Crombie asked master of PRINCESS ALICE to take DENMORE in tow, but Capt. Kerr declined to make fast as it was evident she was sinking. 10 minutes later DENMORE heeled over on her port side and sank in 29 fathoms. The crew, 12 in number, with their boats, were taken aboard PRINCESS ALICE and landed at Dundee. With one exception they all belonged to Aberdeen - Capt. R. Crombie; William Duncan (mate); John Bruce (boatswain); William Gavin (carpenter); Robert Petrie (steward); Thomas Henderson (AB); John Bruce (ordinary seaman); Robert Sturrock (chief engineer); James Bruce (2nd engineer); Thomas Fraser (fireman) and two other firemen. The steamer, owned by A. Nicol & co., was only partly insured. The cargo of flour from Leith Flour Mills, worth between £4000 and £5000, we understand is covered by insurance.
(Aberdeen Weekly Journal)
08/04/1879:
Board of trade inquiry into loss of steamer DENMORE was held in Aberdeen yesterday before Mr. H. C. Rothery, H.M. Wreck Commissioner. Court held that the master, Robert Crombie, had been guilty of neglect of duty and want of caution in proceeding at full speed while he was not sure of his position owing to the haze which prevailed at the time. His certificate was suspended for 3 months, but in consequence of the truthful manner in which he had given his evidence, it was recommended he be given a 1st mate's certificate until his own be returned. He was not ordered to pay costs.
(Aberdeen Weekly Journal)
Notes: Contract cost, £6,702 (Builder's List in the Lloyd's Library of the Aberdeen Maritime Museum)
Engines: 2 direct acting compound surface condensing inverted engines made by Smith Bros. & Co., Kingston Engine Works, Glasgow. 2 Cylinders, 19" and 33" diameter, 24" stroke, boiler pressure 60lb., estimated 50hp.
22 June 1872
15 February 1858
