The 'Alyn'

Date(s): 20th century

Scope & Content: Black & white photograph glued to board. This is from a collection of shipping and wreck photographs amassed by Captain Thomas Henry Corteen (Tom Corteen) between the 1930s and 1970s.

The image shows the ship half submerged. The following article appeared in the Isle of Man Times dated 8 July 1940, page 5:

"THIRD TRAGEDY OF S.S. ALYN

Visitor to Wreck is Drowned.

Maurice Leopold Kelly (20), vvho lived with his parents, Mr and Mrs G.H. Kelly, 34, Hope Street, Castletown, lost his life on Saturday afternoon while aboard the wreck of the Liverpool steamer Alyn, which went ashore at Fort Island on March 17th, with the result that two of the crew, James and William Marsh, were drowned. It will be remembered that the body of the elder, James Marsh, was recovered, but not that of his son. Accompanied by Malcolm Hughan, son of Capt. Hughan, harbourmaster at Castletown, Kelly visited the wreck at low tide on Saturday. He went on the ship, but at the time of the tragedy Hughan was standing on the rocks close by. At about half-past four Hughan saw Kelly fall overboard and disappear.

Hughan called to a party who were on the cliffs near by and one of the party searched for Kelly, but without success. Hughan also sent word to the Castletown police. Together with Mr Edward Gawne, harbourmaster at Derbyhaven, and William McKee Finch, of Derbyhaven the police took a boat and searched for some hours, but could not find the body.The body was recovered on Sunday afternoon by PCs W. Faragher and Corlett from the wreck of the boat with a grappling line.

At the inquest on Monday, Hughan said that he called to the deceased to come off when he saw that the tide was coming up. but he would not do so. When on the far side of the wreck, deceased appeared to be taking a fit, and fell into the water and disappeared. The lad's father said he had been subject to epileptic fits. Constable Wilfred Faragher told of an abortive search on Saturday, but said he saw a black leather wallet come to the surface. He recovered it, and found it contained the deceased's National Registration Identity Card. About 3pm on Sunday, accompanied by Constable Corlett, harbourmaster Gawne and Mr Thomas Gale, he again proceeded to the wreck in a small boat. At 3.30 pm they saw a man's leg held at the bottom of the ship by iron plates. In the pockets of deceased's clothing they found a tool kit; spanners, hatchet, and a small camera. On Saturday afternoon Mr Drake informed him that he had been out io the boat and had made a search, but had had to abandon the search as thc tide was coming in. Dr. John Stephen, who examined the body, said death was due to drowning. He thought the deceased had a fit and fell into the water. After returning a verdict of accidentallv drowned, the Coroner expressed sympathy with the lad's parents.

DEAD MANS EARLIER ACT OF HEROISM.

About two years ago Kelly performed an act of gallantry in rescuing an eight year-old girl named Corrin, who had fallen into Castletown harbour. The certificate of the Life Saving Association was awarded him and was formally presented by the chairman of the Town Commissioners."

Administration / Biographical History: For accompanying papers see MS 11514.

Language: eng

Extent: 19.5 x 25 cm

Physical description: Black & white print

Item name: photograph

Collection: Photographic Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: PG/15909/36

Record class: Private

Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.gov.im

Subject tags : #ALLATSEA

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