NEPTUNE
NEPTUNE
Years Active: 1869-1873
Vessel Type: Wooden Barque
Barque
Nationality: English
Sank after striking a reef in the Falkland Islands in April 1873. The crew escaped but were drowned in “terrible surf” when their lifeboats capsized.
Main Use:
Cargo
Years Active:
1869-1873
Power:
Sail
Built:
1869
Size:
387 Net tons
38.50 x 8.72 x 5.39 metres
(length, breadth, depth) metres
Design/Build:
John Davison at Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, County Durham, England
Main Use: Cargo
Built: 1869
Power: Sail
Design/Build: John Davison at Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, County Durham, England
Size: 387 Net tons
Dimensions: 38.50 x 8.72 x 5.39 metres
After striking a reef near Kelp Island, the crew of the NEPTUNE apparently managed to escape from the stricken ship but drowned in surf made worse by a storm that had driven their vessel ashore. This presumption comes in a report from the Falklands Governor, George D’Arcy, written on 21st April 1873: “I am sorry to report the total loss of the British Barque NEPHYNE [sic] on the night of Good Friday 11th April on the Kelp Islands, near Port Pleasant. It is feared that all on board perished. On Saturday morning 12th April the Colonial Schooner LOUISA, sailed to the scene of disaster, and found the vessel on the reef. Up to this date, no tidings have been heard of any survivors, but as the remains of three boats have been found on the beach, it is supposed the crew took to them when NEPHYNE struck, and that they all perished in the terrible surf, which breaks with violence on the shore, especially when the wind sets in from South. It is thought the boats capsized close to the shore.”
After striking a reef near Kelp Island, the crew of the NEPTUNE apparently managed to escape from the stricken ship but drowned in surf made worse by a storm that had driven their vessel ashore. This presumption comes in a report from the Falklands Governor, George D’Arcy, written on 21st April 1873: “I am sorry to report the total loss of the British Barque NEPHYNE [sic] on the night of Good Friday 11th April on the Kelp Islands, near Port Pleasant. It is feared that all on board perished. On Saturday morning 12th April the Colonial Schooner LOUISA, sailed to the scene of disaster, and found the vessel on the reef. Up to this date, no tidings have been heard of any survivors, but as the remains of three boats have been found on the beach, it is supposed the crew took to them when NEPHYNE struck, and that they all perished in the terrible surf, which breaks with violence on the shore, especially when the wind sets in from South. It is thought the boats capsized close to the shore.”
