Volume Six - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - Select Aspects - Crossing the River Ely . .

At that time their jolly boat was lying at the Pier Head, under the charge of a seaman. When leaving Messrs Morel's office they expressed their intention to return to the Agathe. Mr Morel used all efforts he could to persuade them to remain on shore, as it was blowing a gale from the N.E., and there was such a swell in the Channel that it appeared to him almost impossible that a boat could live in it. They were, however, confident that they could reach the vessel, and the captain was anxious, as he, the mate, and one of the crew were away from the vessel.

They left the pier head about six o'clock, the tide coming up and the wind blowing very heavily at the time. They made their way down the gutway all right, but after passing the Low-water Pier nothing was heard of them until the ferryman picked up the boat and also the body of Ferdinand Jolie on the beach. There seems to be no doubt that after leaving the Low-water Pier the boat got upset and the three of them went down. It is supposed that Ferdinand came in with the boat, that the wind drove the boat on to the point, that he was there thrown out and the oar with him. A communication was made with the Agathe, but nothing had been seen of the boat or of the captain and his brother. There seems no doubt that all have perished." Western Daily Press [022] 25th October 1880.

1884 - "Cardiff and Penarth Steam Ferry - The service of steamers owned by the company embraced in the above description, and managed by Mr. J. Vellacott, is now actively plying between these places. It may be recalled to mind that the service was put on in 1865, when one boat alone satisfied all requirements. A few years later, however, it was necessary to add another, and in 1883 the Iona, a new vessel, raised the number to three, services being also extended to the Penarth Beach. The company have shown great promptness in accommodating their increased traffic and extending their facilities for communication, and no doubt the same spirit will be manifested in the future.

A still further augmentation of the number of passengers is assured in the fact of the great extension which Penarth is making, as also correlatively to Cardiff. There is now considerably more attraction in a trip across to Penarth than formerly. The baths on the beach at the later place are nearly ready for opening, and the building is a very pretty one.The promenade is being enlarged, and when smoothed will afford a delightful walk, with the sea as the foreground, and for the background dense foliage that almost hides the houses there. Penarth beach, under the circumstances, must become a much more pleasant and popular resort than it has hitherto been, and no doubt, this prospect realised, will stimulate still further enterprise in making Penarth and its beach attractive." Cardiff Times [019] 31st May 1884.