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The Ship John Duthie by Arthur Smith
JOHN DUTHIE
The Ship John Duthie by Arthur Smith
The Ship John Duthie by Arthur Smith

JOHN DUTHIE

Shipbuilder (Footdee, Aberdeen)
Date1864
Object NameCLIPPER
MediumWOOD
ClassificationsShip
Dimensionslength 196' x breadth 34' 7" x depth 21' 8"
tonnage 1031 tons
Object numberABDSHIP000552
About MeYard: John Duthie, Sons & Co.
Official Number: 48862
Subsequent Names: LUMBERMAN'S LADDIE (1886)

Fate: Wrecked on Haisborough Sand, Norfolk, 15 December 1888.

Propultion: Sail
Description: Ship rigged clipper, 2 decks and a poop deck and a top gallant forecastle, 3 masts, ship rigged, round stern, carvel built, no galleries, shield figurehead, rig altered to barque May 1886 in London.
(Source: Aberdeen Register of Shipping (Aberdeen City Archives))

Owners:
1864-84: Duthie & Sons, Aberdeen.
1886-88: John Rust & Sons, Aberdeen.

Masters:
1864-66: Master J. Duthie
1867-71: Master J. Phillips
1872-75: Master W. Robinson
1876-84: Master Lavie

Voyages:
1864-65: Aberdeen - Australia
1866-73: London - Australia

General History:
25/12/1866:
The precice spot of the fire could not be ascertained. The deck pumps were at once manned, and, the scuppers being stopped the decks were soon deluged with water [...] holes were bored through the deck and constant streams of water allowed to rush below [...] Fimding it impossible to master the devouring element, a hurried consultation being held, it was deemed advisable for the safety of the ship to at once scuttle her. Orders were forwarded to the BREDALBANE steam tug to get up steam for tbe purpose of towing the ship into shallow water [...] In so trying a moment there was no noise or hurry of any kind, the seamen, of whom some 150 were on board, promptly obeying the commands of their officers, exhibiting in a remarkable manner the discipline of a man-of-war. [...] The chain having been slipped, the Breadalbane took the John Duthie in tow, and by 4a.m. she was again at anchor in Sirius Cove in 4 1/4 fathoms [...] three large scuttle holes were soon made, one in the port bow and two in the starboard side [...]
The preparation for raising her will be commenced to morrow [...] The cargo is a very valuable one [insured for] £24,423.
(Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong, NSW))

14/01/1868:
'The clipper ship, JOHN DUTHIE, belonging to the Aberdeen Line, arrived yesterday morning from London, the passage having been made in 88 days.
Owing to the death of Capt. Phillips, she has arrived in charge of Mr J. Sinclair, Chief Officer, who has carried out his responsible task to the satisfaction of the passengers.
Respecting the passage he states that the vessel left her pilot on the 16th October off Plymouth, and crossed the Equator on 13th November [...]
We have to record the death of Captain Phillips, late commander of this fine ship, which took place on the 8th inst. after a protracted illness.
Capt. Phillips may be said to have spent his life in the Australian trade. He was chief officer of the British Merchant when she was burned in this harbour. He was afterwards master of the CAIRNGORM, YOUNG AUSTRALIA, WILLIAM DUTHIE and JOHN DUTHIE.
When the latter vessel was scuttled in Sirius Cove, about a year ago, he remained on board during the operations for raising the ship, wearing wet clothing for several days, and caught a severe cold, which is supposed to have occasioned his death.
As a shipmaster, Capt. Phillips bore a high reputation as an experienced and careful navigator, and his invariable kindness to passengers created for him a large circle of friends in this colony by whom he was much esteemed.
On the news of Capt. Phillip's death becoming known the flags of the shipping, and on many establishments connected with the maritime interest, were hoisted at half mast.
The funeral is to take place at a quarter to three this afternoon.'
(Sydney Morning Herald)

31/12/1888:
THE WRECK OF THE "LUMBERMAN'S LADDIE." BOARD OK TRADE INQUIRY. A Board of Trade inquiry is shortly to be held to Inquire into the circumstances attending the stranding the Laddie, which was wrecked 15th December, on Hasbro' Sands, She belonged to Messers John Rust & Sons timber merchants, Aberdeen, 1031 tons burthen, and van built in 1870. About six weeks ago she was put into the graving dock at Aberdeen for repairs, and recoppered. Captain Mennie. Cotton Street. Aberdeen, was in command of the vessel when she went ashore.
(Aberdeen Evening Express)