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Chamois - a general history

Completed October 1878; Official No. 78416: Code Letters SDJR.

Owners: 1878 Ebenezer Cory, Lohden & Co. Hartlepool: 1882 Jackson Bros. & Cory (Walter Jackson, 6 Crosby Square, London) Hartlepool.

Masters: 1880-83 J Hodgson: 1884 Witherspoon: 1884-85 Thomas Bunn Metcalf.

On a voyage from Cardiff to Savona with a cargo of coal Chamois was wrecked off Carmelle near Corme on 23 May 1885.

Chamois left Newport, Wales on 19 May 1885 with a cargo of coal & a crew of 20 bound for Savona. After passing the Scilly Isles she came into heavy weather. On the 22 May the master went below leaving instructions with the chief officer to call him if the weather worsened. At 2.30am on 23 May the look-out reported breakers ahead on the port bow. The helm was ordered hard to port & the engines full speed astern but she struck on rocks near Cape Villano, Spain. The crew were landed by means of a ladder. The subsequent inquiry found that the master had not taken the proper observations, had not been aware of the currents, which was unacceptable because they were in the sailing directions for the NW coast of Spain, & had not taken a safe & proper course. The 2nd mate should have informed the master of the heavy state of the weather. Both had their certificates suspended for three months. No lives lost.

Crew May 1885:

Burdon, John Henry, 2nd mate

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