Schooner Ashore
Dangerous Position Of The Crew
Rescued By The Life Brigade
At a quarter-past one this afternoon, a schooner was observed lying off the shore, about half a mile to the south of the South Pier. The members of the brigade on duty at once got out the rocket apparatus and carried it to the sands, a little distance to the south of the lifeboat house. The captain was evidently trying to keep the head his vessel off the land, and there was great danger of her had she succeeded in this, striking the South Pier—there was no possibility of her making the piers Gradually the force of the gale drove her in shore. As she neared land, the seas broke over her, and every moment it was expected she would turn over, and that no lives would be saved. The captain still appeared to be trying to head off the land. The sails of the vessel were torn to ribbons, and she presented a dreary deserted appearance. As she neared the land persons were observed on board, and on her stranding broadside on the sand a rocket was fired with the small line. This was caught, and the hauser sent out. Some of the crew were landed about two o'clock, and it was then found that the vessel was the Isis, of Yarmouth, owned by the master. C. Anderson and with a crew of six. She was in ballast from London, which port she left month ago and has since been knocking about Yarmouth Roads, owing to the heavy weather. The schooner was registered at Yarmouth, and was bound for Seaham.
Latest Particulars
Upon being brought to shore in the cradle, the whole of the rescued crew were taken to the Brigade House. They had not been in bed all night, and were of course utterly exhausted, but were soon resuscitated by the aid of coffee, and after warming themselves by the fire and getting a change of clothing. Dr Crease was also in attendance, and gave every attention to the poor fellows.
The following is full list of the crew:—
James Anderson, master.
James Cobon, mate.
Angus Cameron, cook.
Walter Oyston, ordinary.
James Grimshaw, ordinary.
Thomas Richardson, ordinary.
All the crew belong to Seaham.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 28 October 1880
The Wreck Of The Isis At South Shields
The master of the Isis (Mr T. Anderson) writes : —Will you allow my crew and myself, through the medium of your paper, to tender our sincere thanks for our rescue from the lsis, on Thursday last. We recognise to the full the important duties fulfilled by the Volunteer Life Brigade of South Shields, and in eulogising them we would express the hope that they and the other Brigades round the coast may be as successful in their efforts the future as they were our case.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 3 November 1880