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

1894 - "Penarth.- The Old 'Kate'. - The familiar old boat, 'Kate', has been sold, and she will probably be put to work as a tug." The Barry Dock News [140] 20th April 1894.

The opening of the subway under the river Ely in September 1900 would have had a profound effect on the Cardiff and Penarth Steam Ferry Co. Ltd. except that the company had been prematurely sold, in 1896, to Thomas Morel of Penarth.

1898 - "The Ferry-Boat 'Iona'. - The steam ferry boat Iona having undergone extensive repairs and re-fitting, including new boilers, will re-commence plying between Cardiff and Penarth tomorrow (Tuesday)." Evening Express [157] 17th January 1898.

These little steamers seemingly ran an efficient ferry service only provided the weather was not too severe and the state of the tide gave sufficient water for them to float. At other times rowing boats were used or, alternatively, you could swim, wade, wait or simply walk a few miles around through the old tracks and salt marshes of the Cog. Alternatively, there was the warmth and hospitality of the Marine Hotel on the Penarth side or the Penarth Railway Inn (1885 OS map) later named the Railway Hotel (1922 OS map) on the Ferry Road.

The 'Iona' as the 'Penarth Ferry' passing the Bute Dock Offices, Cardiff - date not specified.

1902 - "The Accident on the Iona - Circumstances Investigated at Cardiff - On Friday at Cardiff Town-hall Mr. E. B. Reece (coroner) held an inquest on the body of George Horwood, sixteen, who was scalded to death on the Cardiff and Penarth ferry-boat on Wednesday evening. Mr. John Sankey instructed by Messrs. Downing and Herncock appeared for the owner (Sir Thomas Morel) and on his behalf expressed his regret at the sad occurrence. No one regretted it more than did Sir Thomas, and he (Mr. Sankey) was present to assist the jury in arriving at a true conclusion as to the cause of death.