Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - Some newspaper reports from the 1870's

After the engine and hydrant had been engaged for several hours, during which time the fire had been considerably got under, it was decided to scuttle the ship. This was accordingly done. Before resorting, however, to this last measure, the whole of her stores, tackle, and gear was taken from on board and placed on the beach." Monmouthshire Merlin [167] 29th December 1871.

The previous report mentions a machine named "L'Extiucteur" which was a mobile fire extinguisher invented by Dr. Carlier and Monsieur Vignon, who applied for a patent in Paris during 1866. It was a forerunner of the modern day fire extinguisher based upon the soda acid principle which produced pressure to propel the contents from inside a cylinder. The reaction of natrium carbonate and tartaric acid produced a large quantity of carbon dioxide gas which expelled the contents. This process was later improved and re-patented in 1872 by Mr. Dick of Glasgow when he substituted tartaric acid for sulphuric acid.

• August 1872 - Dreadful Accident at Penarth Dock - "On Monday morning, a coal trimmer, named William Williams, belonging to Cardiff, whilst working under one of the coal drops at the Penarth Dock, was crushed to death by a cradle suddenly descending upon him. An inquest has since been held and a verdict pf "Accidental death" returned." Monmouthshire Merlin [167] 23rd August 1872. The cradle is the counterbalanced platform onto which the coal truck is placed. It is then hauled to the correct level relative to the ship height, chute height and angle using four wire ropes. When ready the two rear wire ropes are raised and the wagon tips its contents out of the flap door into the chute which then slides down into the ship's hold.

• August 1872 - Dreadful Accident at Penarth Dock - "On Monday morning, a coal trimmer, named William Williams, belonging to Cardiff, whilst working under one of the coal drops at the Penarth Dock, was crushed to death by a cradle suddenly descending upon him. An inquest has since been held and a verdict pf "Accidental death" returned." Monmouthshire Merlin [167] 23rd August 1872.