Lighter

Wreck Of A Lighter At The South Pier

The north-east gale which has been blowing this for three days increased last night to terrible dimensions. The sea ran very high, and the wind blow stronger than has been experienced for years on the north-east coast. About a quarter past eleven last night signal guns were fired from a vessel in distress on the South Pier. Thousands of people flocked down to the pier through blinding showers of rain and snow. It was found that a vessel had been in distress a short distance to the north of South Shields pier, but in a short time it entered the mouth of the river, and before many minutes was dashed ashore on the rocks to the north of the jetty on the north side of the South Pier. Lines were thrown by the lifebrigadesmen, who had mustered in large numbers, and after great exertions, two men were landed on the pier, and they said they constituted the whole craw. Their vessel was a new lighter, on its way from Glasgow to the Tyne, for Mr Bullock, Tyne Docks and built Messrs Simmons and Co., of Renfrew-on-Clyde. She came by way of Grangemouth Canal, and was entering the Tyne in tow of the steamtug Prince, when the hawser broke, and she was left to the mercy of the waves. The names of the men are Wm. Cunningham and James Boyce, belonging to Glasgow. They were much exhausted, but on stimulants being given to them they recovered, and told their story calmly. The vessel will become a total wreck. The weather at midnight was fearfully wild, the prospect at sea causing great anxiety to the members the brigade, who remained on duty all night

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 4th of February 1873

The crew list

The names of the men are
Wm. Cunningham
James Boyce, both belonging to Glasgow.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 3rd of February 1873