SS Thames facts for kids
The steamship, SS Thames, was built in 1827 by Fletcher's in Limehouse, London. This ship belonged to the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company. Captain James Grey was in charge of the Thames. Sadly, the ship was wrecked on the Cribewidden Rock in the Isles of Scilly. This happened early on the morning of January 4, 1841. The Thames was on its way from Dublin to London when the accident occurred.
Figurehead of the SS Thames in Tresco Abbey Gardens
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| History | |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |
| Operator | City of Dublin Steam Packet Company |
| Port of registry |  United Kingdom |
| Builder | Fletcher's, Limehouse |
| Launched | 1827 |
| Fate | Wrecked 4 January 1841 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Steamship |
| Tonnage | 514 GRT |
Contents
What Happened to the SS Thames?
The SS Thames was caught in very bad weather. There were strong winds and heavy showers of hail and snow. A large wave crashed over the ship, putting out its fires. This meant the steam engine stopped working.
Why Did the Ship Hit the Rocks?
After the engine stopped, the crew made a mistake. They thought they saw Longships Lighthouse, but it was actually St Agnes Lighthouse. Because of this error, the ship hit the Cribewidden Rock. This happened around 5 in the morning.
Who Survived the Shipwreck?
There were sixty-five people on board the Thames. Only four of them survived the shipwreck.
- A young lady named Morris.
- Two female attendants.
- A seaman.
Local people discovered the wreck and a boat crew from St Agnes quickly went to help. They rescued the three women. Another woman had survived the initial sinking. However, she would not leave the ship because she could not find her child.
How Was the Seaman Rescued?
The seaman who survived floated to Rosevear island on a piece of driftwood. He was stuck on the island for a whole day. Boatmen found him 24 hours later. A porter cask (a type of barrel) from the ship also washed ashore. The seaman drank from it. Then, he emptied the cask and used it as a shelter for the night.
What Happened to the Others?
Ten bodies were found after the shipwreck. This included the woman who refused to leave her child. The people who died were buried on the island of St Mary's.
The figurehead from the SS Thames was saved. A figurehead is a carved figure on the front of a ship. You can see it today at Tresco Abbey Gardens.
See also
- List of shipwrecks of the Isles of Scilly
