Carl and Black Swan
Collision off Shields Harbour
A German Brig Run Down
Yesterday afternoon, a collision, resulting in sinking of a vessel, occurred off Shields Harbour. It appears that the screw-steamer Black Swan, of North Shields, which shortly before sailed from the Tyne coal-laden for Boulogne, after getting outside, and when the south side of the South Pier, experienced a strong snowstorm. At the same time the German brig Carl, Captain Koch, of Wolgast, from London in ballast, was making for the Tyne in tow of the steamtug Black Prince, and had on board Mr Mong, London pilot, and Mr John Wells, South Shields pilot, While in this position the Black Swan came into collision with the Carl, striking her a tremendous blow on the port side in the main rigging, cutting her down three or four feet below the water's edge, the towline of the steamer the same time breaking, The Black Swan backed out, but immediately returned with the object, of rendering assistance to the crew the brig and in doing so, she again struck her. The brig giving indications of sinking, the crew—eight in number—succeeded in getting on board the steamer, which returned to the Tyne with them. They were afterwards transferred to the Black Prince, and landed at North Shields. The captain is staying at the house of Mr Louis Jahn, ship chandler, Clive Street, and the crew with Mr Hintz, clothier, Clive Street, North Shields. The Carl is a vessel of 146 tons burthen, and belongs to Herr Homeyer, Wolgast.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 24 December 1878
The German barque Carl, sunk in collision by the screw-steamer Black Swan, of Newcastle, on Monday, off the South Pier, remains intact, and efforts will be made to raise her.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 28 December 1878
During Tuesday, several vessels put into Shields Harbour for refuge. German brig Carl, sunk off the South Pier, after being in collision a fortnight ago, has become a wreck. One of the masts has been removed and brought into the harbour by Tyne Commissioners' men. The other mast will be recovered.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette and Telegraph 9 January 1879