Wreck
and loss of life at Tramore
On Monday
morning last a wreck, which was
unfortunately attended with loss of life, occurred at Tramore Bay. It appears
from all that can be gathered on the subject, that a French vessel, La Capricieuse, laden with coals from
Llanelly to St, Malo, with a crew of seven men, had been, for some time
previously to the catastrophe, beating outside the bay of Tramore, the sea
running mountains high at the time. Shortly afterwards, the vessel,
waterlogged, drove into the bay and struck on Rhineshark point, remaining there
in a most perilous condition. The coast guards put out in their boat to the
relief of the vessel, but could not approach her; when a yawl, with four brave
fishermen, put out and succeeded in reaching the vessel, the crew of which they
took on board; but on her return, a heavy sea struck the yawl and upset it. At
this time the coastguard boat, which had lain on its oars, came to the rescue,
and, taking six men on board, brought them safely to the shore. She then
returned, and found three men holding on by the keel of the upturned boat whom
she took on board; but three who remained behind after the coastguard boat had
first went to land, viz., John Fitzgerald, and Thomas Crotty, fishermen and
Pierre Dubois, one of the crew, had met a watery grave. Had there been a
life-boat here it is believed that all hands would have been saved. The vessel
is now dry at low water. We are glad to learn that a subscription list is now
in course of signature for the relief of the families of the brave fishermen,
who, to save the lives of others, sacrificed their own.[1]
Wreck Sale – On
Tuesday last Mr. Thomas walsh, Auctioneer, put up for sale the hull, cargo,
spars, rigging, 7c., of the brig “Capriceux,” wrecked on Rhinehark Bank,
Tramore. The hull sold for £5, and the cargo-over one hundred tons of Llanelly
coal-for £13.[2]
Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (John Dunn for gallant endeavours to rescue the Crew of “La Capricieuse” Jany. 25th 1858 in Tramore Bay.) good very fine £250-300
ReplyDeleteFootnote
John Dunn was a Fisherman from Rhinashark, Tramore Bay, Co. Waterford.
Awarded for ‘rescuing the crew of the brig La Capricieuse, of St Malo, which had been run aground in Tramore Bay, to prevent her from foundering in bad weather. A nasty sea was running, and while coming ashore, the fishermen’s yawl capsized, and the men Fitzgerald and Crotty, and one of the seamen of the La Capricieuse, were drowned.’
Awarded to Robert Aitcheson, H.M. Coastguard Service, ‘for rescuing four of the Rhinashark fishermen and five of the crew of La Capricieuse, after they had been capsized in the fishermen’s yawl ...’ (Ref. The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett).
Robert Aitcheson, Chief Boatman, H.M. Coastguard Service, was awarded the Bronze Medal for Gallantry. The four surviving fishermen from Rhineshark: Michael Downey, Edward Kelly, John Kelly and John Dunn, were each awarded the Bronze Medal for Gallantry with a gratuity of £2.
HIBERNIAN04
Thanks for the information.
DeleteI am most interested in this report as I have Crotty relatives from Tramore. I would like to find out more about this Thomas Crotty who died, as he may be a relative - any info of his family members or his age?
ReplyDeleteI don't know anything more about him. It was before civil death registration was brought in so you won't be able to find a death certificate with his age. Your best hope is that the newspapers carried an article on him, or that a living relative has details.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that Fitzgerald man drowned was probably my Great Great Grandfather, who I believe drowned and would have been 48 or 49 at the time,he had a wife and 5 children one of which was my Grandmother Ellen. 2 of his sons were also drowned in Tramore Bay from what I can make out in my Power family tree.
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