Disaster at Dutchman's Bank: Shipwreck Series, #2

By Thomas G Clark

In August 1831, the steamer Rothsay Castle was following her routine excursion from Liverpool to North Wales. It was the height of summer and one hundred plus passengers were traveling to Beaumaris for an evening of festivities before the annual regatta the following day. The fifty-mile journey should take about 5 hours and the four-man band was aboard to entertain the passengers.

However, a negligent and drunken captain sat below deck for almost the entire voyage down the Mersey. Although the weather changed dramatically as the vessel entered the Irish Sea, Captain Atkinson was dismissive of the urgent appeals of his passengers to turn back to Liverpool or find the nearest safe harbor. In his own words:

"I think there is a d.—d deal of fear on board, and very little danger. If we were to turn back with passengers, it would never do—we should have no profit."

He, his crew, and passengers would pay dearly as they approached Dutchman's Bank in the middle of the night.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Distinctive Press
• Release date: Aug 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201268602

Book preview

CHAPTER TWO

Introduction

The tragedy of the Rothsay Castle goes beyond the combination of winds and waves which claimed her. In short, there was ample opportunity given for her to find a safe harbor or return to her port of origin, thereby avoiding a predictable disaster.

And it was the arrogance, ignorance and impaired judgment of one man who was singly responsible for the great loss of life.

Rather than follow good seamanship practices, his marine-ignorant passengers could see the dangers clearly for themselves, imploring him to change course. His crew also recognized the hazard but they were berated and abused for their suggestions.

What began as a fun summertime excursion accompanied by musicians ended in a prolonged tragedy, easily avoided and fueled by greed, not steam.

Therein lies the tragedy of the Rothsay Castle.

CHAPTER THREE

Two Gold Earings

The bodies of two females, still unrecognized, and a child about two years old, with red shoes on, have also been washed on shore.

Also a male, with a blue coat, yellow waist coat, and blue trousers, gray woolen stockings, calico shirt, leather shoes, light hair, long face, about 52 years of age. A purse with four sovereigns. Apparently a mechanic.

A male, with a pair of boots, gray worsted stockings, black hair, brown face, about 51. Money found in his trousers pocket; in a purse, one sovereign. Apparently also a mechanic.

A young lady, dressed in a blue cotton dress, black woolen stockings, and leather shoes. Linen marked E.A.W. , No. 1. Two gold earrings.

Preston Chronicle and Lancashire Advertiser- August 1831:

In one of these companies, who came on a journey of pleasure from Bury, the hand of death committed a merciless devastation. It consisted of twenty-six