Steam tug Conqueror outside Ramsey harbour

Date(s): early 20th century

Creator(s): Southward, Francis

Scope & Content: 'Tug 'Conqueror' belonged to the Alexander Towing Company. On one occasion she was on passage from England to Ireland when her boilers packed up near the Calf of Man. A sail was rigged up from the mast and she made her way into Ramsey Bay. With a gale blowing she was unable to enter the harbour. Both the lifeboat and rocket brigade were on standby the whole of the next day. On the third day she went aground north of the Hydro Hotel (later the Grand Island Hotel). Six crew members died; the captain and four crew managed to get ashore. After the incident the Alexander Towing company sold the vessel to Mr. J. P. Purcell of Ramsey who retained her until 1907 when he sold her to the company Furness Withy who named her 'Recovery'. When photographed her funnel is not in the Alexander Towing Company's colour meaning this may have been taken whilst owned by Purcell (1905-1907).

Language: eng

Extent: 8 x 10.5 cm

Item name: glass plate negative

Collection: Photographic Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: PG/7850/091

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