By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Observer published on 4th February, 1888, has two ship-related snippets which caught our eye this week.
BLACKGANG
—-
THE RECENT WRECK – The hull of the wrecked Norwegian three-masted brigatine Kongeek Holmestrand, which came ashore at Blackgang Chine on the night of the 20th January, floated off on the flood tide on Saturday night, and came up Channel, a short distance off the shore as far as Steephill Cove. Several fishermen of the Cove put off in their boats and towed the wreck until it grounded in Pelham Bay, when, seeing they could not secure it, they cut adrift the masts and brought them ashore. Subsequently the wreck was carried out to sea by the tide, the efforts of the fishermen to keep it back being without avail. The vessel, which has one side carried away, was on her beam ends, very much down in the bow, which was entirely submerged.
COWES.
—
NEW LIGHT-VESSEL. – On Saturday afternoon the light-vessel Luna was towed from the works of Mr. John Samuel White, at whose yard she was built. As soon as the tug was cast off, sail was put on, and she commenced her voyage to Calcutta. On her arrival there she will be dismantled, the lighting apparatus will be erected, and she will be stationed near the dangerous reefs at the mouth of the Hooghly. The vessel has been built to the order of the Calcutta Lights Commissioners. Her tonnage is about 200. She is commanded by Mr. A E. Caws, of Sea View, and has a crew of ten hands, all told.