To the leftside is the first 'Kate of 1865', next the her, in 1873, they added the La Belle Marie' built 1866, then the 'Iona' in 1883, all three side by side in an unnamed Cardiff dock. I think this may be the Bute West Dock Basin. The date of this lovely photo is rather difficult to estimate with certainty, but it is within the years 1883 to 1894.

For clarity, these little ships weren't chain ferries but were self powered paddle steamers in the case of 'Kate' and 'Iona'; 'La Belle Marie' being a twin screw vessel. Just look at the beautiful lines of the clipper style stern of the vessel next to the 'Iona' - I don't wish to be sexist, but wow, what a lovely rear end! [002] [069]

A newspaper report from the early 1960's I found in my archive of shipping memorabilia in the loft. Which newspaper it is taken from I'm not sure; it could have been the Penarth Times or the South Wales Echo. [002]

The Cardiff Times reported:-

"Narrow Escape - John Davies, the fire-boy on board the 'Kate', had a narrow escape on Tuesday. The half-past five boat was proceeding to Cardiff, and had to cross a line which was fast to a vessel. the rope got entangled in the paddle-wheel, and the boy got into the paddle-box to cut it. The wheel began to revolve, but the engine was stopped at once, and Jack escaped unhurt." Cardiff Times [019] 22nd September 1865.