Loss of Prestonpans trawler "Queensland", 14 Feb, 1883

[Hibee]

Anyone have connections with the Queensland, which overturned and sank whilst hauling nets off the Isle of May, with the loss of all 7 aboard?

Willam Murray, owner and skipper, aged 48
Thomas Thomson, 46
John Ritchie, 57, boxmaster
James Anderson, 28
James McArthur, 20
James Mackie, 20
Alexander Bird, 19, my great-granduncle.

Hibee

[AndrewP]

Hi Hibee,

The Scotsman of Friday 16 February 1883 reported the loss of the Queensland.

FOUNDERING OF A PRESTONPANS FISHING BOAT

SEVEN MEN DROWNED

A sad calamity has befallen the fishing population of Prestonpans. On Wednesday morning the large fishing boat Queensland, of Prestonpans, was swamped, and seven lives were lost, at the deep sea line fishing, about 20 miles east of the May Island. The Queensland left Prestonpans on Tuesday night, and between ten and eleven o'clock on Wednesday morning it was observed by other crews at a distance that she was struck by a heavy sea while the crew were hauling in the lines. The boat was thrown on her beam ends, the ballast having apparently shifted, and shortly afterwards she suddenly capsized and sank. As the other boats were making for home they were too far away to render assistance, and though both the crews of the Bluejacket an Daylight, of Prestonpans, saw the craft swamped, it was not known what the ill-fated boat was till the others had arrived safely in the haven except the Queensland. No doubt now exists to the fact of the the boat having been lost with her crew of seven men. Those on board were-

William Murray, owner and skipper, 48 years of age, who leaves a widow and five children, only two of whom are grown up.
Thomas Thomson, aged 40, married, and leaves three children, grown up.
John Ritchie, 57 years, box-master of the Fishermens' Society, leaves a widow and four children, grown up.
James Anderson, 28 years of age, leaves a widow and four young children.
Alex Bird (19), James M'Arthur (20) and James Mackie (20), unmarried.

The boat and fishing gear, valued at £350, were not insured. She was only built two years ago by Mr Weatherhead, Cockenzie. Great gloom has been cast over the district by the sad event, no such serious casualty having occurred at Prestonpans for a long period.

All the best,

AndrewP

[Hibee]

Thanks, Andrew.

Hibee