Vessel Ashore at South Shields
About half-past four o’clock yesterday morning, a schooner, named the Impulse, of Maldon, Captain James Selby, came on shore during the gale. The vessel was endeavouring to make for the Tyne, for coal in ballast, but was driven ashore on the south side of the South Pier. The signal guns were immediately fired, prompt action being taken by P.C. M'Queen, pier watchman, who was on the alert. At the moment the ship stranded, the storm was at its worst. In a very short time after the firing of the signal guns a number of the members of the Volunteer Life Brigade were on the beach, and got the rocket apparatus ready for saving the crew. Messrs Luscombe and John Ellis, coastguardsmen were in charge. The captain of the Impulse would not leave the ship, as he thought there was no danger, or at any rate no fear but that she would be got off without leaving her. About eleven o’clock yesterday the sea commenced to break heavily over her, which made her roll, and was evidently doing her much damage. The water at this hour was gaining so fast that it began to appear above the ballast. It was now thought advisable by the captain to leave the vessel, and a number of the Life Brigade were again summoned, when the whole crew, numbering seven in all, were brought ashore by means of the rocket apparatus. Having been I landed, the men were taken into the Watch House on the pier, and supplied with warm coffee and dry clothing.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 28 September 1868
Sunday 27th
At 4.30 am
The Schooner Impulse of Maldon Came on shore the South side of South Pier The Signal Guns where fired and Gear ready But Crew would not leave their Vessel
Members Present
George Heron, Benjm Heron, Geo Mason, Robert Mitcheson, Edward Tinmouth, Robert Tinmouth, Jas Burn, Thos Marshall, Jno Johnson, 1st, Mathew Stevenson, Robt Bell, Toms Houlsby, Geo Smith, Mark McQueen, Jno Liscombe, Jno Ellis (CG)
Time 11.30 am Sept 27 1868 The sea came Away as the flood came on & the Crew signalled to be brought ashore
The gear was sent off & the crew Were brought on shore.
Present About 40 members whose names Will be found in the Roll Book.
Cast off the gear when the tide fell Shut it into the van & ran her up To her berth. Provision served out to the men Who assisted above
Source: Storm Book 27 Septembe 1868
South Pier, South Shields
Mr ARTHUR T.CROW has received instructions to SELL BY AUCTION, on Thursday, October 1, 1868, behind the South Pier, Sooth Shields (for the benefit of the Underwriters’, the HULL of that well-built Brigantine “IMPULSE,” of Maldon, 165 Tons Register, as she now lies; together with the whole of the excellent Stores and Materials, consisting of Anchors, Cables, Kedges. Sails (many in capital order), Towline (new), Warps, Cook’s Hearth, Boats, Masts, Spars, Blocks, and Running Gear.
Sale to commence Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon precisely.
Bishopwearmouth Sale and Valuing Offices,
September 29th, 1868.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 30 September 1868