Gallant Rescue off the Tyne
Lifeboats Hazardous Journey
To Save Crew of Vessel Which Breaks In Halves
A thrilling rescue of 43 of a ship's crew effected late on Sunday night off the Tyne by lifeboat. The wrecked vessel steamer Linerton, of Newcastle, owned by Mr R. Chapman, bound to America on her maiden voyage.
She became disabled with engine trouble find and while attempting to return to the Tyne was driven ashore in a terrific gale after eight steam tugs had endeavoured to salve her.
Captain J. Page was in charge of the life brigade, and three rocket lines were fired towards the ship, but all fell short. Lieut S. W. Wing, with Sub-Inspector Moore, of River Police, rallied round them a volunteer crew for the lifeboat Willie Wouldhave. but the first trip proved abortive, as several oars broke, and the boat had to return to the shore. Equipped with new oars, a second effort was made, and the Wouldhave made good progress towards the Linerton, her journey to the wreck being matched by large crowds on the pier and on the sands.
Lifeboat's Four Trips.
The lifeboat reached the Linerton from the lee side, and returned at about 8.30 p.m. with 24 of the crew. In all four journeys out were made by the lifeboatmen before all the crew were saved, and fortunately no one was killed or injured. There were many volunteers for the lifeboat, and consequently reliefs could made. It was almost ten o'clock before the last party reached the shore, and once inside the life boathouse a plentiful supply of warm cloth and hot cocoa was forthcoming.
The Linerton's back broke, and the vessel, practically in two halves, lay high and dry on the beach yesterday.
Source: Dundee Courier 11 November 1919