Maritime record MWX4878 - Stuart
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Summary
The steamship Stuart was washed over Portland Breakwater in a gale in 1899.
Map
Type and Period (2)
Full Description
The steamship Stuart was washed over Portland Breakwater in a gale in 1899, between Preston and Osmington. (1)
The Stuart was at anchor in Portland Harbour on the night of the 13th February 1899, when a severe westerly gale struck. He anchor started dragging and her captain, realising she was endangering other vessels in the anchorage, slipped her cable and let her drift. The wind pushed her across the Harbour, the crew of the Stuart desperately using whatever means they could to steer her away from other vessels.
The northern breakwater was still under construction, and part was covered by high water. Bumping hard the Stuart slid over the breakwater into deeper water. At this point, understandably, the crew decided to leave the vessel and let her drift across Weymouth Bay.
She finally ran aground on Preston Beach, salvage proved easy as she was a new, well built vessel. At the next spring tide she was towed off and returned to Portland Harbour under her own steam. (3)
Sources/Archives (3)
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Location
| Grid reference | SY 71 81 (point) Estimated from sources |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | SY78SW |
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Other Statuses/References
- Legacy UID: Dorset Sites and Monuments Record: 9 000 1000
Record last edited
May 6 2004 10:23AM
