MERCURY

Date1842

Object NameSCHOONER

MediumIRON

ClassificationsShip

Dimensionslength 84 3/6' x breadth 20 3/12' x depth 13'
Registered Tonnage: 175 ton

Object numberABDSHIP001780

Keywords

Aberdeen Built Ships

About MeYard: John Duffus & Co.

Fate: Last in Lloyd's 1864 (M791), probably wrecked on the North Peir, Aberdeen, 30 December 1866 .

Propulsion: Sail
Description: Schooner rigged, 2 masts, constructed of iron.

Owners:
1843-64: George Elsmie & Co., registered at Aberdeen.

Masters:
1849-52: Master A. McLean
1853: Master D. Reid
1854-55: Master G. Watt
1856-64: Master D. Thomas

Voyages:
1849-50: Aberdeen - Baltic
1851-52: Liverpool
1853-54: London - Cape of Good Hope
1855: Aberdeen - Baltic
1856-57: London

General History:
12/12/1877:
In 1839 or 1840 an iron vessel which was at first named the CELESTIAL, but afterwards called the MERCURY, was built inside Messrs Blaikie Brothers yard, St. Clement Street, by Messrs John Duffus & Co., for Messrs George Elsmie & Co., coal merchants, and was chiefly employed in the coal trade. When ready to be launched the MERCURY was placed on two large waggons and hauled with crab winches until close to the quay wall, when she was transferred to 'ways' and launched into the harbour, a part of the quay wall having been taken down for the purpose. She entered the water with so great velocity that she went right across the dock, ran into the steamer SOVEREIGN, and broke off her own figurehead.
(Aberdeen Journal) 'Round About Aberdeen no. V: shipbuilding'

03/04/1850:
As the schooner MERCURY, MacLean, of Aberdeen was proceeding on her voyage from Aberdeen to Konigsberg on 23 March, she was struck by a heavy sea which carried away part of her bulwarks etc. and stave her longboat. It also threw her on her beam end and, her ballast having shifted, she lay in a very perilous situation. The captain was obliged to cut away the mainmast and part of her rigging, when she righted and was driven into Bridlington Bay. Crew all well.
(Aberdeen Journal)

30/12/1866: MERCURY - wrecked on North Pier Head, Aberdeen. Captain Andrews. Cargo - coal.
(Ian G. Whittaker (1998), "Off Scotland: A Comprehensive Record of Maritime and Aviation Losses in Scottish Waters" (C-ANNE publishing, Edinburgh), p. 166)
This may not be the same ship.