'Naufrage a Douglas, Isle de Man en 1786' ('Shipwreck at Douglas, Isle of Man') - depiction of the wreck of the herring fleet
Date(s): 1787
Scope & Content: Illustration of the wreck of the herring fleet. Title in French.
Administration / Biographical History: On 21 September 1787, 21 men died when the Manx herring fleet was wrecked in a storm at the mouth of Douglas harbour. They had been fishing near Clay Head and ran for safe harbour at Douglas. The previous year the old pier had collapsed and a temporary harbour light was set up on a pole, on the ruins, to guide the entrance. One of the first boats struck this light, extinguishing it and many of rest of fleet foundered on rocks in sight of the harbour.
The number of men injured is not known. Many vessels were damaged beyond repair with long term consequences for their owners. Herring fishing was an important part of the Manx economy.
Language: eng
Extent: 36 x 27.5 cm
Item name: print
Collection: Print & Poster Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: P.6073
Retrieval number: NP 22 M
Subject tags : #MM100LIBRARY&ARCHIVES