SHEPHERDESS
Shipbuildervessel built by
DUTHIE
(Footdee, Aberdeen)
Shipownervessel built for
DUTHIE
(Footdee, Aberdeen)
DateMay 1850
Object NameBARQUE
MediumWOOD
ClassificationsShip
Dimensionslength 123 3/10' x breadth 21 4/10' x depth 15'
gross tonnage: 331 tons
gross tonnage: 331 tons
Object numberABDSHIP000512
Keywords
Fate: wrecked off Port Elizabeth, 28 May 1859, 12 crew members lost, including Captain Urquhart.
Propulsion: Sail
Description: Barque rigged, one and a half poop decks, 3 masts, female bust figurehead. Barque.
Owners:
17/05/1850: Registered at Aberdeen for subscribing owners; John Hunter, salmon merchant, Cove, 20 shares; Alexander Duthie, shipowner, 8 shares; Alexander Scorgie, shipmaster, 4 shares - both Aberdeen.
Other owners: Andrew Edwards, farmer, Keith Hill, Kincardineshire, 16 shares; James Tulloch Jr., merchant, 8 shares; Alexander Burnett Whyte, merchant, 4 shares; Ann Anderson, spinster, 4 shares.
03/05/1854: Andrew Edwards 8 shares - Alex R. Duthie, shipowner, Aberdeen.
20/12/1854: James Tulloch Jr. 8 shares - James Tulloch, shipmaster, Aberdeen.
30/07/1859: Ship and certificate lost 28 May 1859 at Port Elizabeth.
(Aberdeen Register of Shipping (Aberdeen City Archives))
Masters:
17/05/1850: Master Alexander Scorgie
1859: Master Urquhart
Voyages (Lloyd's):
1852: Aberdeen - Coquimbo, Chile
1856-58: London - Algoa Bay (Port Elizabeth)
1859: Aberdeen - Algoa Bay
General History:
05/1850:
Launched from building yard of Messrs. A. Duthie and Co. a clipper barque "SHEPERDESS" to be commanded by Capt. A. Scorgie and intended for Cape of Good Hope trade, she is a very handsome model and reflects the greatest credit on the spirited and enterprising builders.
(Aberdeen Journal)
03/08/1859:
Loss of the SHEPHERDESS of Aberdeen. It is with great regret that we announce the loss of the barque SHEPHERDESS, Captain Urquhart, from London 28th February, bound to Port Elizabeth, Algoa Bay, with a full cargo, which occurred on Saturday May 28th off Cape Receife Lighthouse. August Weleke, Seaman, gave evidence to resident Magistrate:- "I was at the helm when the ship struck. The Captain had gone below to fetch the chart. I had observed no breakers before she struck. I felt her tremble, which knocked the helm out of my hand. I put the helm up, but she would not answer it. She slewed her stern round and then struck several times, very heavily. Some of the masts gave way. I heard the Captain call out "Lower the Boat", then a sea came and washed him overboard. He was holding onto the main brace. His son tried to hold him, then a second sea came out, but could not. Eventually the jolly boat was got out. We called to them to take us off, but they could not reach us. I left the wreck on two planks. I saw three of my shipmates follow me on planks, but they drove more to sea. I saw a schooner and waved my hat. It bore up to me and rescued me. Before we struck we had no man heaving the lead. The Captain said he would round Cape Receifeas close as he could".
Most melancholy to state, 12 of the crew of 14 met a watery grave, of whom eight belong to Aberdeen. Captain Urquhart leaves a widow and five of a family and his son, who was 2nd Mate, is among those who perished. Robert Caithness, the First Mate, a young man, belonged to Aberdeen. As did John Cargill, Carpenter (a young man, son of Captain Cargill), John Thomson, Steward (who was married) and A. Smith, T. Wilson and R. Mackay, Apprentices. The SHEPHERDESS was renewed just before this fatal voyage. She was only partly insured.
(Aberdeen Journal)
1841
