VICTORIA
VICTORIA
Years Active: c1853-1897
Vessel Type: 2-masted wooden Schooner
Schooner
Nationality: Falkland Islands
Became a “complete wreck” when she ‘drifted ashore’ in the Falkland Islands after delivering supplies to the Cape Pembroke lighthouse.
Main Use:
Pilot
Years Active:
c1853-1897
Power:
Sail
Built:
c1853
Size:
12 Net tons
12.19 x c3.00 x 1.22 metres
(length, breadth, depth) metres
Design/Build:
Main Use: Pilot
Built: c1853
Power: Sail
Size: 12 Net tons
Dimensions: 12.19 x c3.00 x 1.22 metres
On 29th January 1897 the two-masted pilot vessel VICTORIA was anchored 200 yards off the Cape Pembroke Lighthouse, due east of Stanley. She had just finished transferring provisions when disaster struck. According to a witness: “The pilot was at the tiller and gave orders for the anchor to be lifted; this was done, and the jib hoisted. When the anchor was broken out of the ground the men had hauled in the chain with their hands until it was thought to be a proper distance from the bottom, and there, it was made fast to the bitts. This, however, was not a secure connection. Orders were given to hoist the foresail, and immediately afterwards the bitts gave way, and the port arm was jammed against the winch, rendering it useless. The strong wind was N. W., and there was some sea on. VICTORIA’s head was brought by the chain to the wind but the schooner was unmanageable. She struck soon after, and the pilot ordered the men to get into the boats.” VICTORIA was declared “a complete wreck”.
On 29th January 1897 the two-masted pilot vessel VICTORIA was anchored 200 yards off the Cape Pembroke Lighthouse, due east of Stanley. She had just finished transferring provisions when disaster struck. According to a witness: “The pilot was at the tiller and gave orders for the anchor to be lifted; this was done, and the jib hoisted. When the anchor was broken out of the ground the men had hauled in the chain with their hands until it was thought to be a proper distance from the bottom, and there, it was made fast to the bitts. This, however, was not a secure connection. Orders were given to hoist the foresail, and immediately afterwards the bitts gave way, and the port arm was jammed against the winch, rendering it useless. The strong wind was N. W., and there was some sea on. VICTORIA’s head was brought by the chain to the wind but the schooner was unmanageable. She struck soon after, and the pilot ordered the men to get into the boats.” VICTORIA was declared “a complete wreck”.
