Volume Eight - Pre-Victorian to the present day - more aspects - Storms and their effects . . .

According to the fine website 'Tyne Tugs and Tug Builders' [292] (also see links pages) the steam-tug 'Spirit of the Tyne' was launched in 1857 at a yard on the Tyne at North Shields. She was of 83 gross register tons, 88' long x 17' breath. She was powered by a single cylinder steam engine of 40 nominal horse-power which drove her paddle wheels. Her hull was of wooden construction which possibly accounts for the description of her destruction 'all that remained of the steam-tug was her engine and boilers, resting upon a portion of her keel.'

The Cardiff Times [019] [361] also reported the effects of the gale in great depth and provided the following additional information:-

'Between seven and eight o'clock the sea came rolling in mountains high, and spent its fury against Penarth beach. It was also feared that the temporary barrier at the entrance of Penarth new dock would be swept away, as the waves dashed over and against it with great violence.'

It went on the report the aftermath of the gale, counting the losses and the lessons to be learned:-

'On Thursday forenoon, Mr. George Sully, accompanied by a number of gentlemen, proceeded to Penarth, with the view of selling the schooner 'Rosa Marie', her cargo included, as it was deemed impossible to get her off in safety.'

'The loss of the 'Spirit of the Tyne' is a serious calamity to Mr. Strong, as she was worth upwards of £1,000, and was not insured for a penny. We hope that appreciation of his conduct will lead to some substantial token on the part of those more immediately interested in the shipping of the port, more especially as the services of the tugs boats are always available in cases of emergency.'

Of contention was the role of the Penarth life-boat which was manned by the coastguards. The chosen location for the life-boat was at the foot of a path which led to the beach from the Coastguard Station:-