A ship in distress

“Yuletide 1928 was not a pleasant season for the crew of the Grimsby-owned steam drifter Chimaera which grounded on the rocky foreshore at the entrance to the estuary of the South Esk,” writes Montrose Honorary Port Archivist John Aitken.

“On December 18 local townsfolk awoke to the sound of rockets exploding indicating the possibility of a ship in distress. Although the sea swell was moderate and not likely to create a problem for a well-found vessel, nevertheless the motor-driven lifeboat John Russell set out with a reserve crew due to the regular members being engaged at the fishing.

“It was quickly found that the woodenhulled steam-driven drifter Chimeara had had gone on the rocks, swept by a strong ebb tide, in order to avoid the coastal cargo steamer Lunan. The seriously damaged fishing vessel quickly filled with water but not in a position to make it difficult for the lifeboat to effect a prompt rescue of the fishermen from their own small boat. Eight personnel were transferred to the Montrose-based RNLI lifeboat John Russell.

“The shipwrecked fishermen were given every assistance by Mr McLennan at the lifeboat house at the riverside end of Lifeboat Road.

“They were given a complete change of clothing as they were in dungarees, boots and socks having left all their belongings on board. Later in the day they caught a train bound for Grimsby. The total cost of the expenses including rail fares, clothing etc came to approximately £20, this cost being met by the Shipwrecked Mariners Society. The skipper, R. Souter, whose brother Duncan was also a member of the crew, were Johnshaven men who had moved south to Grimsby.

“The Chimaera, owned by the Grimsby Seine (Net) Fishing Company became a constructive total loss with quite a volume of material, mainly wood, coming ashore on the tide. The Harbour Board members discussed the loss at their next meeting where it was confirmed the wreck did not impede shipping in and out of the port.”