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Chronological list of Shipping and Aircraft losses in the Amble-
  Coquet Island - Druridge Bay Area, Northumberland.

   
['Corn Ships']
?? ??
1091
The "Corn Ships" on which William Rufus relied to provision his troops in his expedition against Scotland in A.D. 1091 were lost in a sudden squall off Coquet Island (Hodgson; History of Northumberland , v p 316)
 
Crown of England
?? ?? 1666
Wrecked on Coquet Island.  Collings records this vessel in his book (See bibliography) - we have no further information
 
Goodwill
9th December 1754
The Brig Goodwill, of Dundee for London, John Jobson Captain, struck Bondicar rocks ripping her bottom out. 28 passengers and one cabin boy perished, the captain and the rest of the crew were saved. Those onboard included an army sergeant and 20 privates, 6 of whom survived. Three bodies (one of which was the army sergeant) were recovered and buried at Warkworth.
(Newcastle Courant 14 Dec 1754, Caledonian Mercury 19 Dec 1754, Newcastle Courant 26 July 1755, Warkworth Burial Registers)
 

Active
2/3rd April 1799

 "off Bondicar" all hands lost.  Recorded in the list of losses during the "Dreadful Gale" of 2/3rd April, published in the Times 13th April 1799. [more information required]
 

Andrew(s?)
2/3rd April 1799

 "off Bondicar" all hands lost. Recorded in the list of losses during the "Dreadful Gale" of 2/3rd April, published in the Times 13th April 1799. [more information required]
 

Bowes
2/3rd April 1799

 From Newcastle, "off Coquet" all hands lost. Recorded in the list of losses during the "Dreadful Gale" of 2/3rd April, published in the Times 13th April 1799.[more information required]
 

Joseph & Mary
2/3rd April 1799

From Newcastle, "off Coquet" all hands lost. Recorded in the list of losses during the "Dreadful Gale" of 2/3rd April, published in the Times 13th April 1799. [more information required]
 
 Swan
prior to 14th January 1800
The Swan, Sharp [master], of Sunderland was wrecked near Warkworth, and all the crew perished (eight in number) except the mate, who saved his life by swimming. (The Hull Packet 14th Jan 1800)
 
 Hope
on or prior to 11th January 1801
Copy of a letter from Bondicar, near Alnwick, Northumberland, dated 11th January 1801 - "I am sorry to inform you, that the Hope of Sunderland, Capt. Hopkirk, loaded with oars for Leith, was chased on shore by a privateer, and is now lying in a dangerous situation, being upon the rocks and bilged, that the tide flows as high in the inside as the out. I am afraid she will not stand many tides." (Caledonian Mercury 19th January, 1801)
 
Wakefield
26th April 1803
The Wakefield, of Sunderland, from Dordt to Aberdeen, went on shore on Bondicar Rocks, near Alemouth, on Tuesday se'nnight and has become a total wreck. Cargo consisted of 1300 mats of flax. (The Hull Packet 3rd May 1803)
 
The Mayflower
19th December 1803
The Mayflower, Mose [master], of this port [Newcastle] from Memel for London, with linseed, skins, and deals, one of Carysfort's convoy, came ashore at Bondicar, on the Northumberland coast, on Monday last, and it is feared will be a wreck. (The Newcastle Courant 24th Dec 1803)
 
 Fortitude
12th February 1804
On Sunday se'nnight, the Fortitude, Miller [master], of Arbroath, from this port [Hull], was stranded on Bondicar sands. The crew and cargo saved. (The Hull Packet 21st February 1804)
 
The Wear
14th January 1808

The Wear, Tomlinson, from Cadiz to Hull and Leith, with wine, &c. is on shore at Amble Rocks, Northumberland; part of the cargo will be saved. (Lloyd's)

 
Valetta
on or prior to 5th January 1815
The Schooner Valetta, Hutchison [master], from Rotterdam for Leith, with a cargo of flax, hemp-seed, beans, &c. is ashore on Bondicar Rocks. A great part of the cargo has been landed, but the vessel is expected to go to pieces every tide. (Caledonian Mercury 5th January, 1815)
 
Catherine
4th November 1821
Went onto rocks at the north end of Coquet Island, breaking up during the night, all crew lost.

 

The Catherine, crew of 9, all died.  The bodies of those in bold were recovered and buried in Warkworth Churchyard.
Name From Age
Samuel Hunter, Master Monkwearmouth shore 26
Robert Hay, Mate Sunderland 24
Richard Wynn, Carpenter Washington Staith 21
James Reed Monkwearmouth shore 17
David Hay Sunderland 18
William Merriman Sunderland 21
Thomas Gilhespy Sunderland 25
Robert Day Sunderland 24
William Smith Monkwearmouth shore 20
 
From the memorial inscription in Warkworth churchyard.

 

   

Ann McKenzie
11th October 1823

On Saturday night the 11th inst, the sloop Ann McKenzie, Alex McKenzie master, with a valuable cargo of fruit from Malaga, came on shore on the rocks near Bondicar, on the coast of Northumberland, and will become a total wreck. The greater part of the cargo landed. (The Aberdeen Journal, 22nd October 1823)
 

Bellgowen
20/21 July 1826

(Warkworth July 21) The Bellgowen, Henderson [master], of and from Sunderland, ran on Bondicar Rocks last night and will be wrecked (Caledonian Mercury, from Lloyd's list, 29th July, 1826)
 

Ossian
7/8th March 1827

(Warkworth, March 8) During the last night the following vessels were driven on shore:- Betsey & Mary, Moss, and Fly, Bish, both of Yarmouth, on Boulmer Rocks. Alert, Medus, from Poole, on Wrayburn sands. Ossian, Cummings, on Bondicar Rocks; crews saved. (The Hull Packet &c. 20th March, 1827)
 

Coaster
23rd September 1827

On the morning of the 23 inst. the Schooner Coaster, Palmer, master, of and from Yarmouth with grain, struck upon Bondicar rocks, near Warkworth and filled with water the following tide. The cargo and materials are landed. (The Newcastle Courant etc 29th September, 1827)
 

Ann and Sarah
2nd December 1827

On the 2nd inst. the snow Ann and Sarah, of London, from Hamburg, in ballast, was driven on shore on the south side of Bondicar Rocks. On the following day, the weather being moderate, she was got off, and made sail, but it fell calm, and a high sea running, she was again forced on shore, where she now lies likely to become a total wreck. (The Newcastle Courant etc 8th December, 1827)
 

Mary
1st December 1828

Warkworth, Dec 3. - At three o'clock on the morning of the 1st inst., in a severe gale from the east with heavy rain, the bark Mary, of Leith, Davidson, master, from Miramachi with timber, drifted on Bondicar rocks. About eight o'clock, six of the crew took to the jolly boat, and made for the shore. In a few minutes the boat was swamped; four of them reached the land by assistance of the spectators; the other two sunk to rise no more. There were then ten people left on board; the fore-mast gone, also the main top-mast, and the sea making a constant passage over her. At ten o'clock, being high water, the vessel went athwart; the long boat was washed off her deck, and fell on its bottom, when two of the crew got in for purpose of bailing it. Providentially it was soon after stove, which prevented the crew from leaving the vessel otherwise great tears were entertained of their meeting with a similar fate to that of their unfortunate companions. At two o'clock P.M., Mr John Muers, agent for Lloyd's made signal for a buoy to be put over, and at the same time requested four young fishermen of Hauxley, namely John Matthews, William Allison, James and Stephen Stewart, brothers, to go off in a coble, which had been procured fro the purpose. They succeeded in getting the line, which was landed; but the people on the shore being so numerous and anxious, it was broken in their exertions. The boat returned, and got a second, which was used with more caution, and at length got a warp; the boat then laid about 50 yards from the vessel's bow, and about 100 from the shore. The end of the warp was held by the people on the beach, and by that means the crew were lowered into the coble, and safely landed. Great credit is due to Mr Henry Hall and Mr Robert Dand, also to the inhabitants in general, for their anxious endeavours in thus preserving the lives of their fellow creatures. (the writer does not know whether the ship is a total wreck, or is likely to be got off) (The Newcastle Courant etc 6th December, 1828)

(This wreck was used for some early rocket apparatus experiments on the 16th of the same month:)

On the 16th inst. Captain Manby's apparatus for saving life from shipwreck, was practiced with at Bondicar by Captain Cook, of Newton, Mr John Muers, of Warkworth, two officers of the preventative service, and four of the Hauxley fishermen. The barque Mary, which was stranded there in the late gale, afforded the opportunity for the experiments. They fired two shots, one at which fell to the stern of the vessel; the second was thrown over the main stay, at a distance of 400 yards. (The Newcastle Courant etc 20th December, 1828)

(...and the wreck was finally auctioned on the 13th of January the following year:)

To be sold by Auction (For the benefit of the underwriters) At Bondicar Rocks, on Tuesday, the 13th January instant. JOHN GARRETT AUCTIONEER. THE HULL, Lower Masts, and Rigging of the Barque Mary, of Leith, 310 tons burthen; also all her STORES, consisting of Hempen Cable, one Chain ditto quite new, three Anchors, two Kedges, Warps, Towlines, Running-Rigging, Sails, Spars, Boats, Water Casks, &c. &c., which will be put into lots to suit purchasers. The sale will begin at 11 o'clock. (The Newcastle Courant etc 10 January, 1829)

(..and the cargo on the 2nd February:)

 To be sold by Public Auction (For the benefit of the underwriters) On Monday the 2nd February, 1829 at Bondicar, near Warkworth, in Northumberland. MR THOMAS RIDDLE AUCTIONEER, ABOUT 380 loads PINE TIMBER, 25 ditto HARDWOOD, 1930 STAVES, 2½ FATHOMS LATHWOOD, lately landed from the wreck of the ship Mary, from Miramachi, and will be put into convenient lots for the accommodation of purchasers. The sale will commence at ten o'clock in the forenoon precisely, and further particulars may be known on application to Messrs Robert Menzies and Son, Merchants, Leith; Mr John Muers, agent to Lloyd's, Warkworth; or MATT, PLUMMER & GRENWELL, Newcastle. N.B. Refreshments for Purchasers, will be provided at the place of Sale at one o'clock. (The Newcastle Courant etc 24th January, 1829)

 

 
Bondicar Rocks

Above: looking from the low water mark back to the shore, dunes in the distance, Low Hauxley village on the right. Above: photo from the same position looking north. Low Hauxley on the left, Coquet Island on the right.
   
Bondicar Rocks, (also Bondicarr, or Bondy-carr); a series of carboniferous sandstone reefs just south of Low Hauxley. During some low tides these are exposed extending out to sea by half a kilometre. Probably hundreds of mariners have died on this spot over the centuries.   Geologically these reefs are associated with the east to west faulting that terminates much of the workable coalfield here. Many of the well known Northumberland coal seams outcrop between here and Amble.

 

Thetis
30th December 1828

The Smack Thetis ran aground in "thick weather on Bondicar rocks, near Warkworth to the southward of Cocket Island"... ... "the vessel by last accounts was full of water, and part of her valuable cargo has been landed in a damaged state." The Times reports (from Lloyd's)

We are exceedingly sorry to state the loss of the fine smack Thetis, Capt. Gilbertson. She sailed from hence on Sunday morning week for Aberdeen, and on the following night struck some rocks near Bondicar, a few miles north of Balythe, where she suddenly filled. The crew were saved, and the weather proving moderate, it was expected that part of the cargo would be got out. (The Hull Packet and Humber Mercury 6th January, 1829)

[this vessel was in fact eventually refloated]

 

Hoop
18th July 1839
On the 18th instant, the Dutch galliot Hoop, De Boer, of Groningen, in thick fog, got on the Bondicar Rocks, and in a short time went to pieces. She was laden with flax and cheese, all of which is lost or so damaged as to be of no use. The cargo is insured, but the vessel is not and no part will be saved except the boats and ropes. She was bound for Dundee. (The Newcastle Courant etc 26th July, 1839)

To be sold by auction on Low Hall Sands, near Bondicar, on Tuesday July 30, 1839. MR ROBERT FENWICK AUCTIONEER, All the Wreck of the hull of the Galliot "HOOP" 170 tons Burthen, lately stranded at that place; consisting of Oak Beams, Floors, Fuddocks, and other Square Timbers, Oak, Elm and Fir plank.
Also the materials belonging to the said vessel, consisting of three Bower Anchors, one Hemp and one chain Cable, Kedges, Warps, Ropes, standing and turning Rigging, Sails, cordage, Masts, Yards, Spars, two Boats &c. &c., Sale to begin at one o'clock Warkworth July 24th 1839. (The Newcastle Courant etc 26th July, 1839)

 
London Packet
25th September 1839
Warkworth September 25th: - At four o'clock this morning, the schooner London Packet, of Rye, for Aberdeen, got on the Bondicar rocks. In attempting to run out a kedge, the boat upset, and the mate was unfortunately drowned; the other two men who were in the boat were saved by means of a rope, with which those in the ship hauled them on board. Every means will be used to get her off this tide, when she will be towed to port. (Caledonian Mercury 30th September, 1839)
 
Helen Sharp
before 16th December 1840
We regret to have to announce the loss of the schooner Helen Sharp, of this place. The ill-fated vessel was wrecked when on her homeward voyage from Newcastle, upon the Bondicar rocks, on the Northumberland Coast. The crew were fortunately saved. We understand the vessel was partially, if not wholly insured. (Freeman's Journal and Daily Commercial Advertiser 16th December, 1840)
 
Trim
30th December 1842
Warkworth December 31.- The Trim, of and for Arbroath, got on Bondicar rocks yesterday morning, bilged and sank on the flood; greater part of the materials saved. (The Newcastle Courant etc 7th January, 1842)
 
Ariel
7th December 1850
Warkworth December 8.- The Ariel (schooner) of Newcastle, from Dunkirk to Leith got ashore on Bondicar rocks yesterday, bilged, and filled; part of cargo landed in a damaged state, and the remainder expected to be discharged tomorrow should the weather permit. (Lloyd's list)
 
[Russian Vessel]
1st November 1852
A Russian vessel from Riga with a cargo of wood is on shore at Amble, crew saved (Lloyd's)
 
Tom Cringle
28th December 1865
The Tom Cringle of Thurso, Calder, from Seaham for Aberdeen, with coals, came ashore on the Bondicar Rocks this morning and is likely to become a total wreck. Crew saved by the lifeboat of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. (Lloyd's)
 
Elizabeth
1st January 1871
"The Elizabeth, of and for Perth, from Shields, with coal has gone ashore north of Amble Harbour, and is likely to become a total wreck."
 
Czarina
11th February 1871
The Czarina of Whitby foundered one mile north of Coquet. Crew saved by harbour tug. (Added to Lloyd's loss book; 11th February 1871)
 

 Beccles
18th December 1872

Wrecked two miles north of Amble; crew lost.( Lloyd's.)
 

 Ocean
18th December 1872

The Ocean, of Lynn has been wrecked near here (i.e Amble)( Lloyd's.)
 

 Russell
18th December 1872

The Russell supposed of Poole, wrecked at Hauxley; crew lost ( Lloyd's.)
 

Matchless
18th December 1872

Wrecked at Hauxley; crew lost ( Lloyd's.)
 

Cuba
18th October 1876

The Cuba, of Amble, coal laden, came ashore at Boulmer this morning: will likely be a wreck. ( Lloyd's.)
 

Cassander
28th October 1880

Schooner of Whitstable, from London laden with chalk bound for Shields. Driven ashore in a gale one mile north of Warkworth Harbour. Crew rescued by Rocket Apparatus. (Lloyd's) -chalk still comes ashore today from this vessel.
 
Elizabeth
before 31st March 1882
"Lloyd’s agent went to the Elizabeth ashore near Boulmer Steel, near Amble, March 31st, and found the cargo (rails) lying in a steep incline below low water mark at spring tide. The ends of the bulk of the cargo show as the tide recedes, The sea is still high. Lloyd’s agent states that next springs, with fine weather and smooth water a portion of the cargo may be saved."  ( Lloyd's.)
 
Josefix
24th October 1881
"The Josefix, brig, is reported from Amble to have driven ashore on Bondicar Rocks October 24th. She is Laden with deals*; has main mast gone and likely to become a total wreck. No account of crew." (Lloyd's) (*deal:- fir or pine board cut to standard dimensions.)
 
James Ennis
21st?  November 1881
Fishing Boat of St Morna [?] Totally wrecked at Bondicar near Amble. Crew saved by lifeboat. (The Times 'shipping intelligence' from Lloyd's.)
 

Steam Tug Alice
29th June 1882.

 "The passenger steam-tug Alice, after leaving the Tyne on a pleasure trip for Warkworth, ran ashore on Bondicar Rocks yesterday morning. As she began to fill with water, all the passengers rushed to the boats, one of which capsized. Fourteen or fifteen persons, men and women, were drowned, the remainder were rescued by the local boat. The Alice drifted, and ultimately grounded on some rocks about 100 yards from the shore. She belongs to Mr. Anthony Wilkinson, of Scotswood, near Newcastle. Another account says that a panic took place on board when the steamer struck, and a rush was made for a life-boat which was hanging at the davits. But for this movement probably all hands would have been saved. About 30 persons, it is thought, had got into the boat when the tackle which was suspending it snapped, and the occupants all fell into the water. Buoys and ropes were thrown overboard to them, but only two men were saved. The names of the lost have not yet been ascertained, but all of them live on Tyneside. One body has been recovered." (The Times 30th June 1882 )

THE WRECK OF THE ALICE- The inquest on the body of  Isabella Lazenby, a girl, one of the persons who lost her life by the sad accident off Amble, has been opened and adjourned till the 17th inst.  The following names and descriptions  of missing persons have been gathered- Isabella Lazenby, 21 years of age, Dudyard Street, North Shields,  Mr. John Surtees, Joiner, (42), Bath Street, South  Shields,  Mrs. Surtees, Wife of the above,  Mr. Bartholomew Morgan (20), 84, Livingstone Street, South Shields.  Smith, a girl, South Shields.  Mr. Anthony Headley (17), apprentice engineer, Beaconsfield Street, North Shields.  two persons named Welsh, brother and sister, South Shields.  Hugh Green (22), 62 North Street, Jarrow.  Elizabeth O'Hara (20), 18, Curry Street, Jarrow.  Mrs O'Hara, sister-in-law to the above.  Daniel Brown (22), Shakespeare Street, Jarrow.  Abraham Matthews (19), Brunswick Street, South Shields.  J, Smith, Military Road, South Shields.  Dixon M'Gregor (17), Wellington Street, South Shields.  James Mackenzie (15), Mariner's Cottage, The Bents, South Shields. (The Times 3rd July 1882)

  
Focke Decke
7th December 1882

"Lloyd’s agent at Amble telegraphed yesterday morning, Dec 7: -Strong easterly gale blowing with blinding snowstorm. The Focke Decke, German schooner, from the Tyne to Harburg, drove ashore at 2 a.m.;  vessel likely to become a total wreck. The captain when landed from the rocket apparatus was found to be dead." (Lloyd’s)

  
Regian
5th-6th November 1884
"The steamboat Regian, of Liverpool, 3,000 tons, bound from Calcutta to Dundee with a valuable cargo of jute, stranded on Tuesday evening on Hadstone Scars, in Druridge Bay, Northumberland, while a strong southerly wind was blowing.  The rocket apparatus was taken to the spot and fired, but failed to effect a communication with the steamer.  The Hauxley Lifeboat Algernon and Eleanor, belonging to the National Lifeboat Institution, proceeded to her twice through a heavy sea, and was instrumental in saving 25 of the crew.  The master and some of the crew of the steamer at great risk determined to stay by their vessel all night.  She is much damaged." (Lloyd's 5th Nov 1884.)

Wreck Commissioners report , published in The Times 28th November 1884:

  "Wreck Commissioners Court
(Before Mr. H.C. Rothery, the Wreck Commissioner, with Assessors)
The Regian
 
Captain Parish and Captain Beasley were the Assessors. This inquiry into the stranding of the Regian, a steam ship worth about £50,000, carrying jute worth another £50,000, has occupied the court for three days. Judgment was given this morning. The Regian was a large iron steamship built at Sunderland last year at a cost of £54,000, her tonnage being 3,287 tons gross and 2,159 tons net. She was registered at Liverpool, rigged as a schooner, and had two engines of 425-horse power combined. She was the property of the Regian Steamship Company, Mr Robert Conway, of Water street, Liverpool, being the manager. She was 340.5ft, long 43.5ft broad, and 23.55ft deep. The vessel left Calcutta on the 20th September last, with a crew of 32 hands, and 3,945 tons of jute, valued at £50,000, the largest cargo of jute ever known to have been brought over to this country in one ship. She was bound for the jute metropolis, Dundee. All went well up to the 15th of October, when the vessel grounded, in the red sea, about 20 miles short of Suez. After 28 hours she was got off, apparently undamaged, and without assistance, she then proceeded and after coaling at Malta and Gibraltar, arrived in sight of the English coast, off St Catherine's Isle of Wight, on the second of the present month. At 9am., on the 4th, Flamborough head bore W., from eight to ten miles distant. The course was altered to N. by W., magnetic. At 1010 Scarborough was sighted at 1130 Whitby. At 4pm, the course was altered to N. by W. ¼W. At 5pm the captain, not having seen anything since Whitby, again altered course to N. by W.½W. At this time the second officer suggested to the captain, as it was getting very dark and they did not know their position, they should reduce speed, but the captain said there was no danger, and continued at full speed-viz., 9½ to 10 Knots. The course was again altered to N, by W. The second mate, who was on the bridge, saw a dark object on the port bow, he called the master's attention to it, who thereupon ordered the helm hard-a-port, but before the vessel could answer her helm she struck. A sounding was taken and 3½ fathoms found. The cargo was jettisoned. At 7 o'clock the Hauxley life boat came to the rescue and took 20 of the crew. The master and the rest of the crew left in their own boat the following day. The place where the vessel stranded was a quarter of a mile from the shore, and two or three miles off coquet light. There the wreck remains. The vessel was insured for £48,000, the freight was also insured, but the outfit was not.
   The Wreck Commissioner in delivering judgment said the vessel had a sufficient number of compasses, but, as to the deviation, if the master had ascertained it, he had not made proper use of his knowledge. If the master had carefully examined his chart he would not have gone ashore. The Assessors were of opinion that a crew of 32 was very scanty for a large vessel like the Regian . She ought to have had at least five able-seamen and one officer to each watch. No steps were taken to ascertain and verify the position of the vessel when off Flamborough Head on the 4th inst. Nor was any allowance made for tides and currents. A good look out was kept. Proper courses were not set and steered after passing Flamborough Head. The total neglect to use the lead was utterly unjustifiable. The master was not justified in neglecting to reduce speed. The cause of the stranding was the steering too far to the west. The vessel was navigated in the most careless and reckless manner. The whole blame rested with the master. It was said by his counsel that it was a mere error of judgment, but if that had been so the court would not have dealt with his certificate. Had it been proved that the master was the worse for liquor, the court would have cancelled his certificate. As it was, his certificate would be suspended for 12 months.
   Mr. Middleton and Mr. Mears appeared for the solicitor to the Board of Trade (Mr. W. Murton), and Mr. Rolland for the owners and master."
 

 
Lighter in tow of steam tug Pactolus
28th July 1885
"An accident of a painful nature occurred at Amble on Tuesday morning, by which two men lost their lives. About 3 a.m., the steam-tug Pactolus left the harbour with a lighter in tow, having a cargo of coals on board, and bound for the Coquet lighthouse, which is about a mile and a quarter distant from the pier heads. It appears that when about half-way out the craft suddenly settled down, took some water over the bows, and sank without a moment's warning, leaving the men struggling in the water. The steamboat at once went to their assistance, and although the crew used every possible means Cuthbert May and John Mosley were drowned. One of the survivors states that he threw oars to the boatmen, but they appeared to take no notice of them. Both men leave large families to mourn their untimely end. They lived at Radcliffe Colliery, and were employed as coal trimmers at the harbour."
(From the Newcastle Weekly Courant 31 July 1885, research by Pieter May, great-grandson of one of the casualties)
 
S.S. Rose
9th December 1885
Sunk after striking the South Pier Warkworth Harbour entrance. "Lloyd's agent at Amble telegraphed that the Rose st., from Dundee struck the South Pier yesterday and sunk in side the pier. She is lying badly on stones but may come off" (10th Dec, The Times 'shipping intelligence' from Lloyd's.)
 
The Aid
after the 1st December 1886
"The Aid, schooner, from Montrose for Newcastle, struck the Plough seat in the fairway, Amble, yesterday morning, but came off leaking – She ran for Warkworth, but being partly waterlogged, steered badly, struck the south Pier, and filled. The vessel will probably become a wreck. Part of her cargo may be saved." (Lloyd’s)
 
William Knox
23rd December 1886

"Lloyd's agent at Amble telegraphs that the William Knox, ketch, of Blyth, from Sunderland, for Buckie, with coals, has gone ashore on Hudson Skews [sic] and will probably become a wreck. The crew were saved by the rocket apparatus." (Lloyd's)

 
Star of Peace
26th December 1887
"The Star of Peace, with pitwood, in entering Amble Harbour during a strong gale, was drawn behind the South pier and is now a total wreck. Crew saved. Part of the cargo will be saved."
Later report (11th Jan1888): Around 15,000 pit props from the Star of Peace have been landed alongside the railway, Amble Harbour. The wreck of the Star of Peace has been sold for £33. (Lloyd's)
 
Octavia
on or before 23rd January 1888
"Lloyd's Agent at Amble telegraphs that the Octavia, from Sunderland for Burghead with coals, has gone ashore 2½ miles south of the Coquet, and is likely to become a wreck. Crew saved."
 
S.S. Rose
after the 26th January 1888
Wrecked after running onto rocks south of the piers, Amble.  We assume this is the same vessel as the "Rose" (1885) above, which must have been refloated?
 
Anna Kristiansand
on or before 13th March 1888
A quantity of wreckage has been washed ashore at Amble marked “Anna Kristiansand” including deck-house and part of stern. There is also some wreckage on the North Sands, particulars unknown. No sign of crew. (Lloyd’s)
 
Ann (of Belfast?)
20th? March 1888
" Lloyd's' agent at Amble telegraphs that the Coquet Light keepers landed at Amble on Sunday the body of a seaman, and report a quantity of wreckage, among which is a wheel cover marked "Ann of Belfast", with anchors and chains stretched across the south steel with windless attached." (Lloyd's 1888) [more information required - possibly the same vessel as above with some confusion in the reporting of the name?]
 
Hallett
21st September 1891
"The steamer Hallett, of London, stranded yesterday off South Pier, Amble during a heavy north-east gale. She is likely to become a total wreck. The mate was drowned. The remainder of the crew were saved." (Lloyd's) (initially reported as "Fallett" corrected in a second report which also stated mate's body recovered and vessel now complete wreck, "parted into three pieces".)
 

Steam Tug Hazard
2nd December 1892

Built 1873, owned by A. Bain of North Shields. Vessel developed a leak and sunk off Alnmouth Bay.
  
Duchess
23rd April 1893
Sunk after colliding with the Venezuela at midnight 23/24th April 1893 off Coquet Island. Crew saved.
 
[unknown]
17th February 1894
"A Schooner was seen to capsize and founder off Coquet Island at noon today. All hands lost." (17th Feb, Lloyd's) [more information required]
 
[unknown]
13th November 1901
"A small schooner name unknown, ashore north of Amble. Total wreck; crew lost. Two bodies recovered." (Lloyd's) [more information required]
 
Eglington (Glasgow)
on or before 3rd February 1902

 "A Ship's boat with one dead body came ashore near Hauxley, name on boat "Eglington Glasgow" (3rd Feb, Lloyd's)

"A Berwick telegram states that fears are entertained for the safety of the steamer Eglington, of Glasgow, which left Sunderland for Inverness with coal several days ago. A boat with the steamer’s name and a dead body were found on Sunday. Another boat has been picked up near Amble Coastguard station. There is no mark on it. Yesterday a Shields trawler on arriving in the Tyne reported having passed another of her boats near the Longstone Lighthouse." (4th Feb, Lloyd's)

 
Glenmuick
2nd January 1903
Steam Trawler Glenmuick, of Aberdeen, Yarmouth for Aberdeen, struck Bondicar Rocks one mile south of Hauxley and remains in very dangerous position. Later – a report states vessel abandoned and likely to become a total wreck. (The Times, 3rd January 1903.)
 
[Boating accident Amble Harbour]
24th December 1904
Fatal Boating Accident. – A distressing boating accident occurred on Saturday morning off Amble, Northumberland, in which four men were drowned. Five men went out fishing, and crossed the bar about half-past 7 o’clock. There was a very rough sea running when they were returning about 9 o’clock, and when nearing the harbour, the boat was capsized, the crew being cast into the sea. One young Lad managed to reach a chain hanging from the pier, and draw himself into a position of safety. The others were not seen again. A boat was manned by volunteers in the harbour, and efforts were made to recover the bodies, but these were not immediately successful. Those drowned were Thomas Nicholson, Richard Stewart, William Charlton, and Michael Flannigan. Three of them were married and leave widows and families. The youth who was saved is David Stewart, 18 years of Age. (The Times 26th Dec 1904)
 
S.S. Zealandia
31st October 1905
From Ghent, to Warkworth Harbour, in ballast. Ran onto the rocks at the north side of Cliff  House, Amble. Later the Galliot "Maria Stella" came ashore at the same place. The latter vessel was refloated and saved - the Zealandia wad not so lucky and was eventually broken up for scrap where she lay.   Image
 
 

 

 

 

Ina Mactavish
17th October 1907

'Ina Mactavish' coastal lighter, from South Shields, for Aberdeen, laden with 130 tons of lime. Ran aground on Warkworth Beach after a rope washed over the side and fouled the propeller.

Judgement of the Board of Trade Inquiry, Newcastle 17th Feb 1908 (Inquiry adjourned from December 1907):

   'Judgment was given on Saturday, in the board of Trade inquiry in Newcastle-on Tyne into the stranding of the steamer Ina Mactavish, near Amble, on October 17, 1907.  There  were questions as to the action of the Amble and Alnmouth Rocket Companies, and of the Alnmouth Lifeboat.  The engineer of the Ina Mactavish (William Hodgson) and the cook (Samuel Childs) were drowned.  The Court found that the engines of the vessel stopped by reason of the propeller having been fouled by a rope that had been washed overboard.  The stranding and loss of life were not due to the wrongful act or default of the master, John Silson, but the Court reprimanded  him for not having made signals of distress after the engines had stopped.  Prompt measures were taken by the rocket companies to render assistance.  The Court answered questions with regard to the Alnmouth Lifeboat as follows:-

   Beyond the fact that the district inspector had from time to time endeavoured to instruct the Coxswain (without much success), there was no evidence that the "Instructions to Coxswains" issued by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution were conveyed to the coxswain and second coxswain of the lifeboat.  The coxswain, who could neither read nor write, was very deaf, of defective eyesight, with an impediment in his speech and weakness of voice, was described by District Inspector Eustace Stracey, in a report dated July 21,1900, as "most intensely dull and stupid", and the second coxswain (Christopher Richardson) was not of robust health or keen intelligence.  Both these men said that they never received the "Instructions to Coxswain", and did not properly understand them.  There was no evidence to show whether as a general rule, No 2 of the "instructions to Coxswains" and No.8 of the General Regulations were followed in practice.  But on the occasion in question the coxswain, who, in the absence of the committee, had sole charge of the arrangements, displayed an utter absence of initiative and sense of responsibility.

   The Court, on the evidence, and as advised by the assessors, was of opinion that the lifeboat could have been safely launched as soon as the Boulmer crew arrived at Alnmouth, and could have reached the Ina Mactavish probably in time to save the life of the engineer, and undoubtedly that of the cook.  At any rate, an attempt should have been made.  The coxswain said that the boat was not launched at Alnmouth because he considered it unsafe to do so after 9am, on account of the broken water.  Assuming that the coxswain,  as stated in his evidence, had come to the conclusion at 9 a.m. that the boat could not then be launched at Alnmouth, he should, at the same time as he summoned the crew, have taken steps to procure horses.  Had this been done, the life of the cook, Childs, would have been saved.  Having regard to fact that no, arrangements existed for the supply of horses in case of necessity, there was apparently no unnecessary delay in procuring their services after they were sent for, at 11 20. The Lifeboat left Alnmouth about 12 30 p.m. on October 17.  There was a delay of fully half an hour, owing to the insufficiency and restiveness of the horses and the breaking of the trace chain used in substitution of those left behind.  Considerable delay was also occasioned upon reaching Warkworth sands through the absence of the Tipping's plates, the boats having consequently to be launched some 500 yards to the north of the wreck.  The master and mate both stated that in their opinion Samuel Childs, the cook, died about half an hour before they were reached at 3 p.m. The Court was of opinion that, having regard to the fact that there was no absolute evidence of the death of the boy, an attempt should have been made to bring off the body.  On the day in question the crew of the Alnmouth Lifeboat were subject to, and acting under, the orders of the coxswain.  They assembled promptly and obeyed the orders given, and did their duty.

   The Court went on to say:-  The Court desires to acknowledge the great assistance rendered throughout the inquiry by Commander Nepean, the chief inspector of Lifeboats.  It fully recognizes the great humane work  carried on so long and so successfully by the National Lifeboat Institution, in conjunction with its local branches.  As a voluntary institution, it depends for its success upon the hearty co-operation of the local committees and the efficiency of the officers and crews.  Where that co-operation and efficiency are wanting, as in the present instance, failure must ensue.  The Alnmouth branch has been long been in a moribund condition.  A crew could not be raised  in Alnmouth.  The local committee performed their  duties in a perfunctory manner, their meeting were held at long and irregular intervals, and their business was conducted generally in a slack and irresponsible way.  This was undoubtedly due in a great measure to the difficulty in getting a crew and suitable in getting a crew and suitable officers, to the want of local interest, and to the opinion entertained by the committee that Alnmouth was not a suitable station.  All this was fully recognized by the district inspector, who continually reported thereon to the institution, and particularly as to the inefficiency of the coxswain.  His infirmity-mental and physical rendered him totally unfit for the post, but the Court is quite prepared to believe that he did the best he could, according to his lights, and when afloat there appears to have been no question as to his seamanship, and undoubtedly he retained the confidence of his crew.  Where the parent institution failed was, in the opinion of the Court, in not grasping the situation but pursuing a policy of drift.  What it has done, in conjunction with the local committee, since the recent unfortunate occurrence-namely, placed the crew under the command of the Boulmer coxswain- might have been done anytime during the last ten years.  Whether that experiment will be successful, whether local jealousy will be over come, and whether the Boulmer officers and crew can be speedily assembled and transferred to Alnmouth in case of emergency, the Court is not prepared to say. But for the moment it seems the right course to adopt.  What, however, the Court strongly recommends  the institution  to do so, without further delay, to consider the whole situation, with the view of establishing another station, either in substitution for, or in addition to, the existing station at Alnmouth.' (published 17th February 1908)

Three  Bronze Board of Trade Sea Gallantry Medals were awarded for this incident:
P. Holbert, (Amble
) Coastguard,
A. Barton,  (Amble) Police Sergeant,
J. Helm, (Warkworth) Police Constable.
Rocket Apparatus Long Service Medal.

GV Rocket Apparatus long service medal to James Richardson
of the Amble North Company, possibly present at the Ina Mactavish incident.
 

   
Michael A. Andritsakis
7th February, 1915.
The Michael A. Andritsakis in ballast between London and Sunderland ran onto the Bondicar rocks on the 7th February, 1915, and became a total wreck.
Built by the Campbeltown Shipbuilding Co., 1890, 1770 grt, length 260 feet.  Original name Dieppos, renamed four more times: Linnet, Lino, Sandis, and  Michael A Andritsakis.
 
S.S. Fingal
15th March 1915
1562 ton steamer built for the London and Edinburgh Shipping Co., Leith, by W.B. Thompson & Co., Dundee. 280' x 35' x 18', 474 nominal horsepower, 14 knots, triple expansion engines. Torpedoed and sunk 10.50 am. by U.23,  6 miles E. by S. of Coquet Island. Crew of 27, 6 lost.
  
H.M. Tug Jack
9th August 1917

"Amble 9/8/1917 - The JACK, with hopper barge NIPPER in tow, stranded Bondicarr Rocks 1.30 this morning. Tug filled with water on flowing tide, now submerged. Hopper brought into Amble by harbour tug. Weather wet and foggy, slight swell." Lloyd's 10th August 1917

(JACK, 360grt, requisitioned by Admiralty from Harland & Wolff Ltd, Belfast, became a total loss)
 
 
S.S. Amsterdam
24th F
ebruary 1918.
806 tons, torpedoed and sunk by  UC 49 3 miles S.E. by E. of Coquet Island. Carrying 87 passengers and general cargo from Lieth to Rotterdam. 4 crew lost.:
Second Engineer David Arthur McGregor, aged 26. Son of Thomas and Janet McGregor (nee Arthur), of 285, Leith Walk, Leith Born at Leith.
Mate Alexander McMillan, aged 34. Son of Annie McMillan (nee Weir), of 9, Clyde St., Anderston, Glasgow, and the late Donald McMillan. Born at Islay, Argyllshire.
Wireless Operator Norman Scott Craig, aged 24. Son of Isabella Craig (nee Nicoll), of Lindisfarne, Heath Avenue, Lenzie, Dumbartonshire, and the late Peter Craig. Born at Dundee. Cabin Boy Peter Daly, aged 18. Son of Ann Morris Daly (nee Baxter), of 14, Springfield St., Leith, and the late Peter Daly.
    
S.S. Upcerne
28th April 1918
Built 1906 by Ropner and Son, owned by the Minterne Steamship Co. 2984 tons, 331' x 47' x 22.2';  284 nominal horsepower; 9 knots; triple expansion engines. Torpedoed and sunk by German Submarine UC40 4 miles SE. by S. of Coquet Island. Sailing from Narvik for Middlesbrough with a cargo of iron ore and timber. 16 crew lost, Captain survived.
    
S.S. Moto
10th December 1918
The SS Moto, 1,941 tons, length 267 feet, from Methil to Newcastle, with coal, collided with light cruiser HMS Galatea and sunk off Coquet Island.
 
Morning Star
5th November 1934 (reported)
"Bottom boards and part of a gunwale, panted blue, washed ashore at Creswell, 1.20pm today apparently belonging to missing coble Morning Star, of Amble." (Lloyd's)
 
Heinkel III German Aircraft
29th November 1939
Crashed 5 miles east of Amble, shot down by Squadron Leader Harry Broadhurst, in a Hurricane Fighter. The German aircraft was pursued out to sea , with the attacking aircraft being as close as 150 yards. The stricken bomber was seen to plunge vertically downwards through cloud cover trailing billowing smoke. Broadhurst did not see the bomber crash into the sea, but this was later confirmed by land based observers.
 
Hampden I  L4072 EA
49 Squadron,
RAF Bomber Command Aircraft.
21st December 1939
Took off from Scampton on a reconnaissance mission. Ran out of fuel on return and crashed into the church building (Christ Church), North Broomhill, 1 mile from Acklington Aerodrome. Crew of four: Sergeant E. Marshall and Pilot officer J.M.D. Irvine survived, Sergeant S.H. Potts and Aircraftsman 1st Class (wireless operator) E.H. Humphry were killed. Potts is buried in Chevington Cemetery
 
Heinkel IIIH-2 German Aircraft
30th January 1940
Shot down by Flight Lieutenant Caesar Hull and Sergeant Frank Carey, in Hurricanes from RAF Acklington. Two German aircraft were spotted 5 miles east of Coquet Island apparently preparing to attack fishing vessels. Six synchronised assaults from the two Hurricanes resulted in the demise of one of the German Aircraft, which was seen to spiral down to the sea, breaking up on impact. There were no survivors.
 
Heinkel IIIH-3 German Aircraft
3rd February 1940
This enemy aircraft, which was engaged in anti-shipping operations, was shot down by Flying Officer John Simpson in a Hurricane fighter from Acklington's 43 Squadron. Simpson became aware of the enemy aircraft when he noticed splashes in the water near some shipping they were circling, on looking up he saw the outline of an 'immense' aircraft above. Attacking, Simpson saw 'pieces of metal flying off' the enemy aircraft, eventually discharging all of his ammunition. The aircraft was last seen on fire disappearing through the mist above the sea. Of the crew of four, three bodies were recovered an interred in Chevington Cemetery: Uffz. Walter Remischke (pilot), Lt. Luther von Bruning (observer) and Fw.Herbert Panzlaff (wireless operator). Fw. Herbert Peterson (mechanic), is recorded as missing.
 
Heinkel IIIH-3 German Aircraft
27th February 1940
One of two Heinkels on a sortie to the Firth of Forth and the coast of Northern England, which were intercepted east of Coquet Island by two Spitfires of 152 Squadron RAF Acklington. On sighting the British fighters the German aircraft dived to 20 feet above the sea, and jettisoned five bombs, none of which exploded. After attacks by the Spitfires a large proportion of the starboard engine was seen to fall away and the aircraft turned towards the coast, ditching into the sea and sinking in three minutes. Three of the crew were seen to enter a rubber boat from the front cockpit, but none of the crew survived.  The body of Unteroffizier (Corporal) Karl Lassnig  and the rubber boat came ashore at Whitley Bay on the 1st March, and the body of Hauptmann (Flight Lieutenant) Hans Joachim Helm was also recovered and buried in Chevington Cemetery. The other three crew are recorded as missing.
 
M.V. Elziena
2nd March 1940
197 ton Dutch vessel built Groningen 1931. Sunk by German aircraft east of Coquet Island. Crew entered lifeboat and rescued 36 hours later.
  
Junkers 88 German Aircraft
29th March 1940
Shot down by naval gunfire from the armed trawlers Rutlandshire and Indian Star (on escort duty), the latter vessel fired its .5 gun and one 12 pounder round before the aircraft then past close to the Rutlandshire, which subjected the aircraft to intense Lewis gun fire and several rounds of its own 12 pounder. The aircraft crashed at Druridge Bay a quarter mile from the shore, and was later recovered with three bodies.  The other crew member's body  (Hesse) was also recovered elsewhere sometime later. All four are buried in Chevington Cemetery Rudolf Quadt Gustav Hartung Ernst Hesse Andreas Wunderling.
 
 S.S. Coquet Mouth
4th July 1940
The Warkworth harbour dredger 477 tons, built 1927. Struck a magnetic mine and sunk ½ mile from the harbour entrance. Wreck lies upside-down. Three died: Deck Hand James Brown aged 66, Mate Robert Foster English aged 45, and Deck Hand Sydney Lockey aged 35 (son of John George and Hannah Lockey of Amble). The bodies of Brown and English were recovered and interred  Amble West Cemetery.
 
Heinkel IIIH-4 German Aircraft
15th August 1940
A significant raid by German squadrons from Denmark and Norway directed at industrial and military targets in the north of England occurred on this day. The enemy expected success due to the RAF being stretched with the Battle of Britain at its height in the south, but unfortunately for them the northern squadrons of the RAF still managed to inflict heavy losses with numerous enemy aircraft shot down and missing, resulting in failure for the Germans.
Heinkel 111H-4 1/KG26 was shot down over Druridge Bay by three Hurricanes of Green Section 605 Squadron, Drem, piloted by Pilot Officer Christopher 'Bunny' Currant,  Flying Officer James Muirhead and Flying officer Cyril Passey. The Coup de grâce was administered by Muirhead who shot up the Heinkel's port engine. The aircraft spiralled down and crashed into the sea, although all the crew were seen to clamber into their dinghy. The five crew members were picked up by the Fisheries Patrol vessel David Askew and landed at Amble. They all spent the remainder of the war as prisoners in the UK or Canada.     
 
Spitfire Mk. 1
610 Squadron RAF
5th November 1940
Crashed during a night take off at Acklington, killing the 21 year old pilot, Donald McIntosh Gray, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He is buried in Chevington Cemetery.
 
Junkers 88A-5 German Aircraft
13th March 1941
Shot down by Flight Lieutenant Desmond Sheen in a Spitfire from 72 Squadron RAF Acklington. The attack by Sheen was witnessed by a number of people in Amble, including Police Sergeant Arthur Wellands who was at the LNER goods yard at Amble at the time. At 22.22hrs Wellands saw tracer fire in the night sky and heard five bursts, then six bursts of machine-gun fire and a sheet of flame that developed into a 'huge size' before plunging down to the sea north-east of Coquet Island. The pilot's body was recovered from the sea at Hartlepool 44 days later, the other three crew members are recorded as missing.
 
Steam Tug Bullger
14th March 1941
304 tons, struck a mine which had probably been laid by aircraft and sank, Druridge Bay. Originally named the "Cartmel", built for Furness Railway Co., Barrow, by Vickers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Barrow. Completed October 1907 (Official No.125902.)  1934 renamed "Bullger" by Leith Salvage & Towage Co., Ltd., Leith. Wreck location: 55 15 190N 001 32 340W in 8 metres max.
  
Whitley V Z6869
58 Squadron RAF
3rd September 1941
This aircraft took off from Linton on Ouse for a bombing mission to Brest but was recalled to Acklington. It crashed at 2345hrs into a field at Turnbull's Farm near Acklington airfield and burst into flames. Of the crew of five, pilot officer E. D. Comber-Higgs survived but was injured, the other four died, three of which are interred in Chevington Cemetery: Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Wallace Howard Trewin (RCAF), Sergeant (Air Obs.) Robert Lawrence (Larry) Ward (RCAF) and Sergeant (W.Op./Air Gnr.) Charles Oliver Steggall. The other crew member Pilot Officer (Pilot) Andrew Allison Law (aged 24) is buried in Edinburgh (Morningside) Cemetery. Law and Steggall had previously survived ditching in the sea (3 days adrift in a Dinghy) and another crash at Linton on Ouse.
 
Dornier 217E-4 German Aircraft
6/7th July 1942
Shot down into the sea south of Amble by Squadron Leader J. Topham and Flying Officer H.W. Berridge, flying from Acklington in a Beaufighter. Although taking violent evasive action the enemy aircraft was hit in the mid fuselage and tail, finally diving down steeply to the sea. The final moments of the burning aircraft were observed by men of 313 Coastal Battery at Amble, confirming the kill. None of the crew of four were found.
 
Typhoon (2 aircraft)
No 1 Squadron RAF Fighter Command.
21st October 1942
Two Typhoon aircraft were lost and the pilots killed in an assumed mid air collision 4 miles east of Amble. (bodies not recovered) In one aircraft was 103551 Flying Officer Paul Nelson Dobie, R.A.F.V.R., son of George Nelson Dobie, and Katherine Ivy Dobie, of Malvern, Worcestershire aged 20.  The other aircraft was flown by Flight Lieutenant Philip E. Gerry Sayer who was the chief test pilot for the Gloster Aircraft Company. The purpose of the flight was to test a gunsight at the Druridge Bay Ranges. (In 1941 Sayer, at the controls of Sir Frank Whittle's Gloster E.28/39, was the first British pilot to fly a jet aircraft)
 
Hurricane AM282
539 Squadron RAF
4th November 1942
 1332525 Sergeant (Pilot) Dennis Charles Bryant, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, aged 19, died when his aircraft stalled on a night approach to RAF Acklington in bad weather and crashed near Red Row, two miles to the east. Bryant was buried in Camberwell New Cemetery.
 
H.M.T. Herring
22nd April 1943
'Fish Class' Admiralty Trawler, Ordered 17th April 1942, Built at Selby by Cochrane and Sons Ltd., and engineered by Amos Smith. Completed as Anti-Submarine. 670 tons, 162 ft., 11 knots. Armament 1x 4 inch and 3 single 20mm Anti Aircraft Guns.  Sunk by collision with another vessel east of Druridge Bay.
  
Beaufighter Mk1. F
416th Night Fighter Squadron USAAF
21st June 1943
O-793128 First Lieutenant Clifford L. Leggett U.S. Army Air Forces died when his aircraft crashed near Warkworth due to engine failure. Leggett was from Mississippi and is buried Plot F Row 5 Grave 70 Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.
 
Short Stirling III No. EH880
RAF Bomber Command Aircraft.
1st December 1943
Returning from a mission to plant sea mines off the Danish coast, this aircraft was redirected to Acklington. In poor visibility the pilot descended short of the airfield and collided with Cliff House Farm, Togston, demolishing the first floor and killing five children asleep there at the time. Only one of the seven aircrew survived, Sgt. K. Hook, (Gunner)  more
 
Pilot Cutter Lady Lillian
31st December 1968
The Trinity House Pilot Cutter Lady Lillian had its mooring ropes deliberately cut on new year's eve - vessel drifted onto rocks just south of the harbour entrance and was wrecked.
 
 

 

 

R.A.F. Air-Sea Rescue Launch No. 1386
29th September 1969

 Capsized in 20-30 ft waves near Amble. Of the crew of eight, four were pulled from the sea by small craft. Vessel was towed into shallow waters near the south pier by the Amble Lifeboat. Four men were trapped in the upturned hull, lifeboatmen smashed through the hull to rescue a deckhand who had been trapped for 6 hours.  Three lives lost.
 Two Bravery awards were granted for this incident, one to a member of the helicopter crew, and one to a crewmember of the launch, both citations were published in the Supplement to the London Gazette of the 22nd May 1970, (26th) as follows:

"Air Force Department Central Chancery Of The Orders Of Knighthood St. James's Palace, London S.W.I. 26th May 1970.
The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the British Empire Medal for Gallantry (Military Division) to the undermentioned:
H4165934 Sergeant Robert Francis MOORE, Royal Air Force.
Sergeant Moore was Marine Fitter on board a Royal Air Force Pinnace when, without warning, the vessel capsized and foundered in mountainous seas approximately one mile off Amble Harbour, Northumberland, on the evening of the 29th September 1969. Sergeant Moore found himself trapped in the foc'sle of the upturned vessel with two Senior Aircraftmen. They were in darkness and with the normal exit totally obstructed. There had been no time for the crew to don life-jackets or take other safety measures. Sergeant Moore instantly rose to the occasion and displayed qualities of leadership and coolness which were a magnificent example to his fellow crew. He assessed that the only means of escape was to open the foc'sle upper hatch which was then underneath them, dive downwards and then upwards, surfacing alongside the upturned hull and to hold on to it until rescued. Regardless of the danger he worked under water to clear the hatch of debris and after a strenuous effort the hatch was opened. Sergeant Moore then arranged for his subordinates to escape first. One of them left the vessel and was eventually picked up by an Inshore Rescue Boat. The other was unable to swim and Sergeant Moore twice endeavoured to dive down with him, before finally escaping himself. The air pocket in the foc'sle was diminishing but the airman chose to remain in the vessel. After escaping, Sergeant Moore managed to clamber on to the upturned hull almost exhausted. Still with complete disregard for his own safety, when he saw the coxswain some 30 yards away in serious difficulties and calling for help, he tried to clear the line on a lifebuoy that was floating alongside the vessel, intending to swim with it. As he got the line free a rescue helicopter ran in to pick up Sergeant Moore but he waved it away, directing the winchman to the coxswain, who was on the point of exhaustion. When the Amble life-boat came alongside, Sergeant Moore, knowing that an airman was still inside the Pinnace, asked for an axe to cut open the hull. As it was considered that this would release the air lock, causing the vessel to sink completely, the lifeboat coxswain decided to take the upturned hull in tow to shallow water where it was grounded and the airman eventually rescued. The Pinnace then broke
up. Throughout the accident Sergeant Moore displayed outstanding courage, fortitude and unselfishness in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force.

The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the following award:
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air
L0593549 Sergeant Alan Tom JONES, Royal Air Force.
For his skill, courage and determination as winchman of the helicopter which was sent to assist crew members of a Royal Air Force Pinnace, which had capsized in heavy seas approximately one mile from Amble Harbour, Northumberland. Sergeant Jones went to the aid of the exhausted coxswain who had been washed away from the upturned hull of the Pinnace. Because of the twenty to thirty foot waves, which engulfed them both, he could not fix the rescue strop round the drowning man, but by sheer determination and unfailing will snatched him from the sea and held on to him—although he was a heavier man than himself—while being winched up to the aircraft. "

 

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution recognised the bravery of their own volunteers and two RN Divers during this incident with the following awards:

Bronze Medals (4) Coxswain William Henderson; crew members James Stewart, Andrew Scott* and Robert Stewart*.

Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum (5) to Second Coxswain John Connell, Acting Bowman Ronald Falcous, Mechanic Ronald Sabiston, Assistant Mechanic Hugh Matthews and Crew Member Hugh R Matthews;

Framed Letters of Thanks to the Royal Navy divers J B Sample and E Brahma.

 *The awards to Robert Stewart and Andrew Scott were the first medals for a service carried out in an inshore lifeboat. Robert and Andrew were also awarded the Ralph Glister Award for the most meritorious service of the year carried out by the crew of an inshore lifeboat. (information courtesy RNLI)


 

 
Scarlet Cord II
?  1979
Amble fishing vessel. Broke moorings and wrecked on rocks to the south of Amble harbour entrance.
 
Shalimar
28th March 1982
Amble fishing vessel. Wrecked on the rocks south of Amble harbour after parting a tow rope entering the harbour.
 
 
Amble Lifeboat circa 1949.

Amble Lifeboat circa 1949.
[© Ken Rochester Collection ©]

 
 
 
Other Bibliography:
Dictionary of Disasters at Sea During the Age of Steam 1824 - 1962, Charles Hocking, F.L.A. (1969)
British Vessels Lost at Sea 1914-18, HMSO. 1919
British Vessels Lost at Sea 1939-45, HMSO. 1947
The Illustrated Dictionary of North East Shipwrecks. Peter Collings. 1988.
Official History of the War: The Merchant Navy. Archibald Hurd. 1921 (3 vols)
Royal Navy Trawlers, Gerald Toghill (2 vols)
The Times Archive 1785-1985
The London Gazette Archive.
Newcastle Weekly Courant Archive
Official History of the War: Naval Operations. Corbett/Newbolt (7 vols)
Air Crash Northumberland, Russell Gray et al. 2008
Luftwaffe Losses over Northumberland 1939-1945 Bill Norman 2002
Bomber Command Losses of World War Two, W.R. Chorley (6 vols)
   
   
cpoyright www.fusilier.co.uk 2015