SHIPWRECKS & GROUNDINGS “May Queen” Driven onto Rocks

Accreditation Redcar and Saltburn Gazette 27/09/1872.

A SCREW STEAMER ON THE
HARTLEPOOL LONG SCAR

     On Tuesday morning 24/09/1872 about four o’clock, the screw steamer “May Queen” of London, whilst on her passage down, was overtaken by the heavy gale which visited the north eastern coast, and, having sought shelter from the gale in Hartlepool Bay, she managed, unfortunately, either through the prevailing darkness at that early hour, or through the comparative unacquaintance of the captain and crew with the configuration of the coast, to drive on to that dangerous reef of rocks called the Longscar. She soon after exhibited lights of distress, which were seen by the steam-tugs Conqueror and Gleaner, which thereupon ran out to her assistance, and used their best efforts to get her off again into deep water. But the ships tow-lines broke, and the Conqueror came home for more help. The William Charles and John Bull, then put off, followed by the Thomas and Mary, of Hartlepool. By their united towing power, the steam tugs ultimately succeeded in releasing the May Queen from her perilous situation by about seven o’clock the same morning. She was of course, in a very leaky state after her mishap, and she now lies on the “hard,” awaiting inspection and repair. It is scarcely needful to say that her adventure was one of extreme peril to all on board; and but for the assistance afforded the steamer, there is little doubt that she would have become a total wreck. Since this occurrence, the weather on the coast has continued to be very wild and stormy.