Maritime record MWX1831 - Emma 1 1903

Russian schooner, drove ashore on Chesil beach, 25 October 1903.

Drove ashore in wind conditions SSW. force 9. (1) The EMMA MARIA, a Russian schooner was seen in West Bay flying a distress signal. She was bound from Teignmouth for Lisbon with a cargo of china clay, but in a gale from the SSW had been helplessly blown across Lyme Bay. Three tugs went out to assist with the PETRA getting a line aboard. The tow parted after two hours, damaging the PETRAs stern, leaving the EMMA MARIA anchored off Blacknor Point. After several hours the schooner broke from her anchors and drove ashore on Chesil Beach during the evening, her masts falling forwards, enabling the crew to scramble to safety.(3)(4) Source (3) gives the name as ANNA MARIA. Russian schooner, EMMA MARIA, was a total loss on the Chesil Beach at Portland.(5) Lost in a SSW 9 on Chesil Beach.(6) The Emma Maria, a Russian schooner, was bound for Lisbon with a cargo of china clay. On the afternoon of the 25th October 1903 she was seen to be in trouble in gale force winds in Lyme Bay. The steam tug Petrel got a line on board, but it parted after two hours of towing. Then the Petrel was damaged and had to return, leaving the Emma Maria anchored off Blacknor Point. After several hours of pitching and rolling the schooner broke free from her anchors and drove ashore on Chesil Beach. As she struck her mainmast fell over the side and formed a bridge to the shore. Without waiting to save anything the crew clambered along the mast to safety. The following day a curious crowd gathered to, ‘see the wreck’. As the crowds gathered the Patria was driven onto the beach at the same spot. The crowd of sightseers quickly turned to rescuers. (8) Additional sources: LR.1902-3 No.18(E)(Supp) Year Built: 1902. Builder: C Ohrmann. Where Built: Kaleten, Riga. Owner: H Damkalm, Riga. Master: C Haak. Crew: 6 tonnage gross

Record last edited

Oct 12 2023 2:26PM