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ST. ROGNVALD
Shipbuildervessel built by
Hall, Russell & Company, Limited
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1864 - 1992)
Date6 June 1883
Object NameSCREW STEAMER
MediumIRON
ClassificationsShip
Dimensionslength 240' x breadth 31' x depth 15'
Gross Tonnage: 920 ton
Gross Tonnage: 920 ton
Object numberABDSHIP001874
About MeYard: Hall, Russell & Co.Yard Number: 231
Official Number: 84373
Fate: wrecked in fog on passage Lerwick to Kirkwall on Burgh Head, Stronsay, 24 April 1900 -. All 70 passengers landed safely but all cattle were drowned and little or no mail and cargo was recovered. Wreck sank in deep water one week after stranding.
Propulsion: Steam
Description: Steel passenger and cargo steamer, 1 deck, 2 masts, schooner rigged, round stern, clench built, iron frame.
Owners:
30/10/1884: Registered at Aberdeen for subscribing owners;
Charles Merrylees, Aberdeen, 64 shares. Merrylees sold 64 shares to Alexander Webster, advocate, George Jamieson, merchant and Simpson Shepherd, merchant, all Aberdeen.
(Aberdeen Register of Shipping (Aberdeen City Archives))
Masters:
1884: Master J. Mason
1893-94: Master Nisbet
1897: Master J. Masson
General History:
Sailed Leith or Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland in summer and winter. From 1886 seasonal cruises included Norway and for this purpose was modified in two stages to extend passenger accommodation between stern and bridge.
19/07/1883:
New steamer ST. ROGNVALD, recently arrived from the north was leaving again for Leith with a heavy cargo, took the ground in the channel. As tide was ebbing, had to remain several hours, when she floated and proceeded without damage.
(Aberdeen Weekly Journal)
30/04/1884:
Exported Kirkwall - Aberdeen and Leith 150 cattle and 140 sheep.
(Aberdeen Weekly Journal)
16/08/1886:
ST. ROGNVALD left Aberdeen on one of her delightful excursions to Norway with full compliment of 90-100 passengers, most from the south. [22/06/1887: To leave for Norway 2 & 14 July]
(Aberdeen Weekly Journal)
1891: While on passage Lerwick to Kirkwall ran ashore in heavy snow near Kirkwall, but suffered little damage:
25/03/1891:
ST. ROGNVALD ashore in Work Bay near Kirkwall en route from Lerwick. Passengers some what alarmed at first, but officers by their cool behaviour allayed fears. Vessel was found to be making a good deal of water. Captain of small steamer DACADIA immediately steamed to assistance and passengers, luggage and cargo were transferred. Paddle steamer ST. MAGNUS to be sent to Kirkwall with large number of carpenters with pumps, salvage operations to be superintended by expert Mr. Armit of Leith.
(Aberdeen Weekly Journal)
01/04/1891:
ST. ROGNVALD successfully floated off reef in Work Bay Friday evening, arriving Aberdeen Sunday afternoon, engine pumping water from her hold. Immediately berthed in Graving dock, although considerable damage to her bottom, less damage than 1st supposed.
(Aberdeen Weekly Journal)
28/04/1891:
Board of Trade enquiry into stranding of ST. ROGNVALD. Court found cause was excusable mistake of master in taking Work Head for Helior Holm on account of their similarity.
(Dundee Courier)
08/05/1891:
Yachting trip to North Cape, Norwegian fjords, etc. 1st class steamer ST. ROGNVALD will leave Leith and Aberdeen for 21 days trip on 18 June. [The Graphic, 07/05/1892: ...to leave 17 June]
(Morning Post)
21/11/1893:
ST. ROGNVALD sustained good deal of damage in storm en route Aberdeen-Kirkwall. Decks swept and all movables washed overboard. Boats were smashed and cranes damaged. Fortunately none hurt.
(Aberdeen Weekly Journal)
14/03/1896:
Baltic yachting cruise of popular steamer ST. ROGNVALD, leaving 13 May, visiting Baltic coast, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Christiana, etc. Thos. Cook and Son.
(Standard)
01/06/1900:
Decision of Board of Trade enquiry into loss of ST. ROGNVALD at Burgh Head, Stronsay, Shetland. Court found she had 3 compasses in good order, with ship off Fair Isle, Capt. John Masson left proper instructions to 2nd officer before going below. Safe alteration was made in course about 11:10pm, but course then set was not made good. Chief Officer took over at 11:15pm, but took no measures to verify position of vessel and unduly delayed reporting to master condition of weather (fog), in which vessel was navigated too fast. He could not see the lights he should have been passing. In these circumstances. should have slowed down and used the lead. Court found she went 6 or 7 miles off her course to westward and consequently ran ashore. Found loss of ship caused by default of chief officer and suspended his certificate for 3 months.
(Glasgow Herald)
Notes: 2 compound inverted direct acting engines by Hall Russells, Aberdeen. Diameter of cylinders 36" stroke 4" HP250.
