LION

Shipbuildervessel built by Nicol Reid & Co. (Footdee, Aberdeen, Scotland, founded c.1790)

Date1826

Object NameBRIG

MediumWOOD

ClassificationsShip

Dimensionslength 93 11/12' x breadth 26 1/12' x depth 17 3/12'
Registered Tonnage: 275 ton (Lloyd's 270 tons)

Object numberABDSHIP001661

Keywords

Aberdeen Built Ships

About MeYard: Nicol Reid & Co.

Fate: wrecked on shore at the mouth of the Don, 12 December 1858

Propulsion: Sail
Description: Brig rigged, 1 deck, 2 masts, standing bowsprit, square stern, carvel built, lion figurehead.

Owners:
1827-45: Lumsden
1846: A. Cooper
1854: Registered at Aberdeen for subscribing owners; James Hall, 32 shares; William Hall, 32 shares, shipbuilders in Aberdeen.
Registration cancelled December 1858, vessel wrecked.
(Aberdeen Register of Shipping (Aberdeen City Archives))

Masters:
1827: Master J. Hogg
1828: Master A. Kenn
1830-32: Master J. McCloud
1833: Master W. Bathie
1834-40: Master J. Norrie
1841: Master D. Smith
1842-45: Master Ruxton
1846: Master McKenzie

Voyages:
1827-32: London - Van Dieman Land.
1833: Liverpool - Batavia (Java).
1834: London - Montserrat (West Indies).
1835-37: London
1838-40: London - Montserrat (W. Indies).
1841: Aberdeen - W. Indies.
1843-45: London
1846: Aberdeen
1847: Dundee - Montreal
1848-49: Aberdeen - Quebec
1850: Aberdeen

General History:
21/12/1853:
Brig for sale, to be sold by public auction at Lemon Tree Tavern, 28 December. The well-known substantial oak-built brigantine LION, burthen per register 275 tons. Vessel is admirably adapted for sealing and whale fishing trades, having been doubled by keel to gunwale in Sprint of 1852 with 2 1/1 inch elm plank and had otherwise a thorough overhaul, she is now in good order, having just arrived with cargo of timber from Quebec. She sails fast and carries large cargo for her tonnage. Can be sent to sea at very little expense, now lying in harbour of Aberdeen. Particulars from Captain Morrison aboard or Alexander Cooper, 45 Queen Street, Aberdeen.
(Aberdeen Journal)

14/07/1858:
Longhope 30 June (Orkney) - put in LION, brigantine of Aberdeen, from Newcastle to Quebec.
(Aberdeen Journal)

15/12/1858:
"Shipwreck - On Sunday forenoon, during a strong breeze from the south, the brig "LION" of this port, 275 tons, Heriot, master, from Newcastle, with a cargo of coals, was taken in tow to be brought into the harbour. Both the HEATHER BELL and VICTORY had the Brig in tow, but owing to the wind and the swell, she broke loose. The anchors were then thrown but she drifted from them, and came ashore near Don mouth. The life boat was promptly manned at the peir [...] and succededin landing all the crew, ten in number. Yesterday the decks were taken out, and part of the cargo was thrown over in hope of getting the vessel off. She lies in about four feet at low water, and the hull will probably be saved in a damaged state"
(Aberdeen Journal)

11/12/1858: LION Aberdeen Bay
A sailing vessel unspecified built of wood with a net tonnage of 275 tons, in ballast, and under the command of Captain Heriot was lost.
The Board of Trade inquiry, before the local Marine Board of Aberdeen, found that the loss of the vessel was due to the default of the Master, in attempting to take the vessel into harbour at an improper time. Having shown lack of energy, judgement and seamanship, the Local Marine Board recommended Heriot should lost his Master's ticket, and be given a mate's certificate, with the proviso that he could apply for a certificate of competency after 12 months. However the court had not been properly constituted the Board of Trade could not give effect to the recommendation and Heriot's certificate was returned to him.
(Richard and Bridget Larn (1997), “Shipwreck Index of the British Isles” (Lloyd’s Register, London), vol. 4)