HMD Susie Ross
HMD Susie Ross. (No ) 21/12/1918
Displacement: 52 grt.
Length: 22.25m Beam: 5.18m. Draught: 2.13m.
Propulsion: 2 Cyl. Compound engine, 1 vertical boiler, 1 screw, 2 masts, ketch rig,
Machinery: Elliott and Garrood, Beccles, Suffolk
Complement: officers and men.
Armament: Unknown
Displacement: 52 grt.
Length: 22.25m Beam: 5.18m. Draught: 2.13m.
Propulsion: 2 Cyl. Compound engine, 1 vertical boiler, 1 screw, 2 masts, ketch rig,
Machinery: Elliott and Garrood, Beccles, Suffolk
Complement: officers and men.
Armament: Unknown
Wooden carvel-built steam drifter Susie Ross was built in Wick by Donald Harper Pulteneytown in 1900 for Mr D. Stewart & Susan J. Ross of Wick. First registered in Wick as WK 151.
John o' Groat Journal - Friday 23 March 1900
This week fourteen steam liners were stormstayed in Pulteney harbour, including the three local craft—the Peep o’ Day, Content and Susie Ross. The last-named, which was built for Mr D. Stewart by Mr Harper, was ready for sea on Monday, but the storm delayed the trial trip. Her sails were bent on Wednesday and everything being in readiness, the smart little steamer has attracted much attention. A local crew has been shipped with Mr John Bremner in charge.
1908. Sold to R.C. Nicholls Great Yarmouth and re-registered YH 383
1912. Taken over by G. Sutherland and re-registered WK.325.
1916. Requisitioned for war service 1916-19. Used in Scapa Flow as a ''Miscellaneous Service Vessel''.
1918. Sunk at Scapa Flow while on Admiralty Service.
John o' Groat Journal - Friday 23 March 1900
This week fourteen steam liners were stormstayed in Pulteney harbour, including the three local craft—the Peep o’ Day, Content and Susie Ross. The last-named, which was built for Mr D. Stewart by Mr Harper, was ready for sea on Monday, but the storm delayed the trial trip. Her sails were bent on Wednesday and everything being in readiness, the smart little steamer has attracted much attention. A local crew has been shipped with Mr John Bremner in charge.
1908. Sold to R.C. Nicholls Great Yarmouth and re-registered YH 383
1912. Taken over by G. Sutherland and re-registered WK.325.
1916. Requisitioned for war service 1916-19. Used in Scapa Flow as a ''Miscellaneous Service Vessel''.
1918. Sunk at Scapa Flow while on Admiralty Service.
History
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Tuesday 21 October 1902
COMPLAINT MASTER OF WICK BOAT. ALLEGED CUTTING OF NETS. The master of the Wick fishing boat Susie Ross yesterday made complaint at Yarmouth of an outrage to which, he alleged, his vessel was subjected on the fishing grounds after his nets had been shot. He stated that the Lowestoft drifter, regardless of his protests, drove through his nets, and when the gear got entangled the drifter's crew coolly cut adrift the Scotch boat's nets, with the result that were lost, with buoys and warps attached. This means a loss of over £100. It stated that It-gal proceedings will be taken against the master of the Lowestoft boat.
COMPLAINT MASTER OF WICK BOAT. ALLEGED CUTTING OF NETS. The master of the Wick fishing boat Susie Ross yesterday made complaint at Yarmouth of an outrage to which, he alleged, his vessel was subjected on the fishing grounds after his nets had been shot. He stated that the Lowestoft drifter, regardless of his protests, drove through his nets, and when the gear got entangled the drifter's crew coolly cut adrift the Scotch boat's nets, with the result that were lost, with buoys and warps attached. This means a loss of over £100. It stated that It-gal proceedings will be taken against the master of the Lowestoft boat.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Friday 28 November 1902
SHOCKING DEATH A WICK FISHERMAN AT YARMOUTH. A shocking accident occurred yesterday at Yarmouth, involving the death of Scottish fisherman, and is the first fatality this season amongst the Scottish fleet at the English herring fishing. Donald Couill, one of the crew of the Wick steam drifter Susie Ross, was going on board the vessel which lay in Beaching's Dry Dock, when he slipped from the gangway and had terrible fall of several feet, striking the floor of the dock with his head. He was picked unconscious with battered skull, and conveyed to the hospital on a cart, but expired two hours later. Deceased was 43 years of age and belonged to Wick. Inquest will be held.
SHOCKING DEATH A WICK FISHERMAN AT YARMOUTH. A shocking accident occurred yesterday at Yarmouth, involving the death of Scottish fisherman, and is the first fatality this season amongst the Scottish fleet at the English herring fishing. Donald Couill, one of the crew of the Wick steam drifter Susie Ross, was going on board the vessel which lay in Beaching's Dry Dock, when he slipped from the gangway and had terrible fall of several feet, striking the floor of the dock with his head. He was picked unconscious with battered skull, and conveyed to the hospital on a cart, but expired two hours later. Deceased was 43 years of age and belonged to Wick. Inquest will be held.
Norwich Mercury - Wednesday 03 December 1902
SCOTCH FISHERMAN KILLED AT YARMOUTH. The Yarmouth Borough Coroner held an inquest at the Hospital on Friday evening, relative to the death of Donald Couill, aged 43, a Scotch fisherman, belonging to Wick, who died after fall from the gangway at Beeching’s Dock on Thursday. James Wares, fisherman, identified the body as that of his cousin, who was one of the crew of the steam drifter Susie Ross, of Wick. On Thursday the drifter was lying in Beeching’s Dock, undergoing repairs. The deceased was going on board the vessel for breakfast, about 9 a.m., when he slipped from the plankway, and fell distance of 14 feet into the dock. Witness and another man went to the dock and found the deceased in unconscious condition. With assistance they got him out of the water, and took him to the hospital. The plankway was made by placing two planks close together, the width would be about two feet. Both planks were securely placed, and did not tip up. John Duchart, another member of the crew, said he boarded the drifter just in front of the deceased. There was little bending in the plank when he stepped upon it, but otherwise it was quite safe. Witness was about five yards from the deceased when he fell. The deceased was a married man with three children. In reply to the Coroner, the witness said they had had most successful fishing, but this occurrence had put “quite damper upon it".
Dr. F. L. Hemmans, house surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased had large swelling on the left side of the head; was quite unconscious when admitted. The deceased was watched with the idea of ascertaining if his condition was due to injury to the bead, and the symptoms did not improve, operation was commenced ; the operation had to be abandoned. The deceased was obviously getting worse; he died about half-an hour after admission. The cause of death was fracture of base of the skull. The jury returned verdict of “Accidental death.”
SCOTCH FISHERMAN KILLED AT YARMOUTH. The Yarmouth Borough Coroner held an inquest at the Hospital on Friday evening, relative to the death of Donald Couill, aged 43, a Scotch fisherman, belonging to Wick, who died after fall from the gangway at Beeching’s Dock on Thursday. James Wares, fisherman, identified the body as that of his cousin, who was one of the crew of the steam drifter Susie Ross, of Wick. On Thursday the drifter was lying in Beeching’s Dock, undergoing repairs. The deceased was going on board the vessel for breakfast, about 9 a.m., when he slipped from the plankway, and fell distance of 14 feet into the dock. Witness and another man went to the dock and found the deceased in unconscious condition. With assistance they got him out of the water, and took him to the hospital. The plankway was made by placing two planks close together, the width would be about two feet. Both planks were securely placed, and did not tip up. John Duchart, another member of the crew, said he boarded the drifter just in front of the deceased. There was little bending in the plank when he stepped upon it, but otherwise it was quite safe. Witness was about five yards from the deceased when he fell. The deceased was a married man with three children. In reply to the Coroner, the witness said they had had most successful fishing, but this occurrence had put “quite damper upon it".
Dr. F. L. Hemmans, house surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased had large swelling on the left side of the head; was quite unconscious when admitted. The deceased was watched with the idea of ascertaining if his condition was due to injury to the bead, and the symptoms did not improve, operation was commenced ; the operation had to be abandoned. The deceased was obviously getting worse; he died about half-an hour after admission. The cause of death was fracture of base of the skull. The jury returned verdict of “Accidental death.”
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Thursday 05 November 1903
THE MISHAP TO WICK STEAM DRIFTER. SMART HANDLING OF BOAT. The Wick steam drifter Susie Ross, which sank in Yarmouth Harbour after collision with a local steamer, was yesterday successfully raised and towed into dock. A hole had been knocked in her port quarter. Skipper Angus yesterday said all hands were below when the Yarmouth boat collided with their vessel. He rushed deck and put the Susie Ross full speed astern ln eight minutes she reached shallow water and sank. When the engineer left the engine-room the water was almost up his neck. The boat was splendidly saved through the smart handling of her skipper and crew from foundering in deep water.
Elgin Courant, and Morayshire Advertiser - Friday 06 November 1903
WICK DRIFTER SUNK :-- While the Wick steam drifter Susie Ross was entering Yarmouth harbour on Tuesday, she was run into by the steel steam drifter 34. which was backing down the. river. The Susie Rose was struck amidships. and began to sink. A tug was made fast and got her across the river where she was beached in shallow water. and sank till her deck was covered. The crew managed to leave her in time, and saved some of their clothes , but the fish, nets, and everything else remain on board. She was successfully raised on Wednesday.
WICK DRIFTER SUNK :-- While the Wick steam drifter Susie Ross was entering Yarmouth harbour on Tuesday, she was run into by the steel steam drifter 34. which was backing down the. river. The Susie Rose was struck amidships. and began to sink. A tug was made fast and got her across the river where she was beached in shallow water. and sank till her deck was covered. The crew managed to leave her in time, and saved some of their clothes , but the fish, nets, and everything else remain on board. She was successfully raised on Wednesday.
Norfolk Chronicle - Saturday 12 November 1904
The Susie Ross, a Scotch fishing boat, was towed into the harbour on Tuesday with her shafts broken. She had encountered a bad time the gale.
The Susie Ross, a Scotch fishing boat, was towed into the harbour on Tuesday with her shafts broken. She had encountered a bad time the gale.
Shields Daily News - Tuesday 29 November 1904
COLLISION NEAR YARMOUTH. During dense fog afternoon Wick steam drifter named The Fisher was ran into half a mile from Yarmouth Harbour by a Yarmouth steam drifter, owned by Smith’s Dock Trust, and sank. The vessel was struck on the starboard bow, and sank in half an hour. The crew, who numbered nine, were landed by the Susie Ross, another Wick boat.
COLLISION NEAR YARMOUTH. During dense fog afternoon Wick steam drifter named The Fisher was ran into half a mile from Yarmouth Harbour by a Yarmouth steam drifter, owned by Smith’s Dock Trust, and sank. The vessel was struck on the starboard bow, and sank in half an hour. The crew, who numbered nine, were landed by the Susie Ross, another Wick boat.
Shetland Times - Saturday 14 September 1907
BAILS FORFEITED.
Drunkenness was the charge preferred against William Hills, fisherman on the steam drifter Susie Ross, WK.151, but he also failed to appear, and his bail of 10s 6d was forfeited.
BAILS FORFEITED.
Drunkenness was the charge preferred against William Hills, fisherman on the steam drifter Susie Ross, WK.151, but he also failed to appear, and his bail of 10s 6d was forfeited.
Yarmouth Independent - Saturday 27 June 1908
FISH WHARF, GREAT YARMOUTH. NORFORD SUFFLING has received instructions to sell by auction, on THURSDAY, 2nd July, 1908 (unless previously disposed of by private treaty), at 11 o’clock in the forenoon, at the Fish Wharf, Great Yarmouth, the undermentioned Steam Drifter SUSIE ROSS,” WK. 151, of the following registered dimensions; —Length, 73ft.. breadth, 17ft.; depth. 7ft.. tonnage, 35 41-100, built by Messrs. Harper, of Wick in 1900.
John O'Groat Journal Friday 5th April 1912
ANOTHER DRIFTER FOR WICK. -- Recently we made mention of a new drifter company formed in Wick, and last week the Susie Ross arrived from Yarmouth, and will henceforth form one of the Wick fleet. It is a case of "back to the old love," as the vessel was one of the first drifters belonging to Wick. Mr George W. Mackay, skipper of the Pansy of Helmsdale, who has an interest in the new Company, will take charge of the Susie Ross.
ANOTHER DRIFTER FOR WICK. -- Recently we made mention of a new drifter company formed in Wick, and last week the Susie Ross arrived from Yarmouth, and will henceforth form one of the Wick fleet. It is a case of "back to the old love," as the vessel was one of the first drifters belonging to Wick. Mr George W. Mackay, skipper of the Pansy of Helmsdale, who has an interest in the new Company, will take charge of the Susie Ross.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Thursday 25 December 1913
WICK DRIFTER'S NETS LOST. _ The steam drifter Susie Ross, of Wick, arrived yesterday from the fishing grounds, and reported the loss of fifteen nets, which, it is believed, went out by a trawler. The drifter had shot off Copinsay, in the Orkneys, Monday night, and when the nets were hauled Tuesday morning it was discovered that the bush-rope connecting drift had been severed and fifteen nets missing. A trawler was seen in the vicinity.
WICK DRIFTER'S NETS LOST. _ The steam drifter Susie Ross, of Wick, arrived yesterday from the fishing grounds, and reported the loss of fifteen nets, which, it is believed, went out by a trawler. The drifter had shot off Copinsay, in the Orkneys, Monday night, and when the nets were hauled Tuesday morning it was discovered that the bush-rope connecting drift had been severed and fifteen nets missing. A trawler was seen in the vicinity.
The Loss
BT 110-420 Registration Susie Ross
HD 1919/369 D- Susie Ross Grounding at Smoogro Bay 21-12-18
H.M.S. Cyclops
7th January 1919.
Sirs
Having considered the minutes of evidence we have heard, we are of the opinion :-
(1) The skipper appears to have taken reasonable precautions, and there does not seem
to have been any undue risk incurred in getting alongside the pier in Smoogro Bay.
(2) The ''Susie Ross'' is a very old drifter and in leaky condition. It is not uncommon thing
for drifters to take the ground and re-float as the tide rises, but being old and hull
unsound she did not respond to the rising water, and so filled.
(3) We do not think the skipper was to blame, especially as the helm jammed at a critical
moment.
(4) The crew seemed to have done their best to right the ship, but with the means at their
disposal they could not do more than they did.
(Signed)
J.W, Rees
Lieutenant R.N.R.
H.M.S. ''Zaria''
C Tibbits
Captain R.N.
H.M.S. ''Cyclops''
The Rear Admiral
H.M.S. ''Cyclops''
H.M.S. Cyclops
7th January 1919.
Sirs
Having considered the minutes of evidence we have heard, we are of the opinion :-
(1) The skipper appears to have taken reasonable precautions, and there does not seem
to have been any undue risk incurred in getting alongside the pier in Smoogro Bay.
(2) The ''Susie Ross'' is a very old drifter and in leaky condition. It is not uncommon thing
for drifters to take the ground and re-float as the tide rises, but being old and hull
unsound she did not respond to the rising water, and so filled.
(3) We do not think the skipper was to blame, especially as the helm jammed at a critical
moment.
(4) The crew seemed to have done their best to right the ship, but with the means at their
disposal they could not do more than they did.
(Signed)
J.W, Rees
Lieutenant R.N.R.
H.M.S. ''Zaria''
C Tibbits
Captain R.N.
H.M.S. ''Cyclops''
The Rear Admiral
H.M.S. ''Cyclops''
Smoogro Bay. Admiralty Chart 3729. Scapa Flow and approaches - northern sheet. UKHO
The Wreck
There is no UKHO Wreck Card for HMD Susie Ross.
To date the wreck seems not to have been located.
To date the wreck seems not to have been located.
The Search 30/11/2024
On the 30th November 2024 a small group of wild swimmers , Emma Dudley, Cailidh Morgan & Andy Walton, conducted a snorkel search around the Swanbister Pier.
Cailidh Morgan, Emma Dudley & Andy Walton
Swanbister Pier built between 1847 to 1850 and extended in WW1.
No sign of any wreckage was seen. It is possible the drifter was broken up and removed if the wreckage obstructed the pier.
Maybe due to the broken steering gear the Susie Ross went onto the Sand of Piggar, a short distance to the north, and the wreck would now be buried in the sand.
Further research is needed.
Maybe due to the broken steering gear the Susie Ross went onto the Sand of Piggar, a short distance to the north, and the wreck would now be buried in the sand.
Further research is needed.
Photos: Kevin Heath
