GEORGE CANNING

Shipbuildervessel built by DUTHIE (Footdee, Aberdeen)

Date1824

Object NameBRIG

MediumWOOD

ClassificationsShip

Dimensionslength 90' x breadth 24.6' x depth 16.4'
gross tonnage 229 tons

Object numberABDSHIP000420

Keywords

Aberdeen Built Ships

About MeYard: William Duthie & Co.

Fate: Wrecked in the Bay of Chalour (New Brunswick), 17 June 1829.

Propulsion: Sail
Description: Snow brig rigged, 1 deck and a poop deck, 2 masts, standing bowsprit, square stern, male bust figurehead.

Owners:
1824: Subscribing Owners: Donaldson Rose, Merchant, 8 shares; James Ferguson, Advocate, 8 shares; Alexander Stephen, Shipmaster, 16 shares; all Aberdeen.
Other Owners: James Blaikie, Advocate, 8 shares; Simson Ogilvie, Advocate, 8 shares; Alexander Low, Stone Merchant, 8 shares; Donald Shaw, Painter, 4 shares; all Aberdeen. John Brand Dunnotar, Stonehaven, 4 shares.
(Source: Aberdeen Register of Shipping (Aberdeen City Archives))

Masters:
1824-29: Master Alexander Stephen (spelled Steven in Lloyd's register)

Voyages (Lloyd's underwriters):
1827-29: Liverpool - Quebec

General History:
28/07/1829:
'We regret to state total loss of brig GEORGE CANNING, Stephen, of Aberdeen, on her voyage from Bay of Chalour [New Brunswick] to call at Aberdeen. Vessel struck soon after midnight on 17th ult [i.e. June] a little to west of Cape Fine, on coast of Newfoundland, while running under double reefed topsails and so dreadfull was the shock as to present the most appalling prospect to the hapless crew. The tremendous cliff under which the unfortunate vessel was thrown broadside, far over-topped the mastheads, while the main topgallant yardarm dashed against the rugged precipice. The sea, too, at this time broke with such violence against the rocks as to threaten momentarily the total wreck of the vessel, which was already giving way, and could not long resist the iron bound coast - against which she was incessantly beating. The crew with utmost difficulty and danger succeeded in getting from the wreck in the long boat or skiff with only a bag of bread and some water; and having, with great exertion cleared the land, they providentially reached St Peter's River on east side of St Mary's Bay after being exposed for 38 hours to the greatest peril.'
(Belfast Newsletter)