H.M.S. Roedean
HMS Roedean . 13/01/1915
Displacement: 1281 grt.
Length: 85.3 m. Beam: 10.5 m. Draught: 5.1 m.
Propulsion: 2 x 3 cyl. Triple expansion steam engines, dual shaft, 2 screws, 2 boilers
Machinery:
Crew Lost: 0
Complement: officers and men.
Armament:
SS Roebuck was steel steamship built by Naval Construction and Armament Co. Ltd, Barrow-In-Furness. in 1897, for the Great Western Railway Company, and was used as a passenger ferry between the Channel Islands and Southampton.
Barrow News - Saturday 03 April 1897
The S.S. "Roebuck," twin-screw steamer for the Great Western Co. for the Channel service, has been launched and is being rapidly completed, while her sister ship, the "Reindeer," will be launched in the middle of April.
Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 06 March 1897
Launch at Barrow.-The Roebuck, one of the two vessels being built at the Naval Construction and Armaments works at Barrow for the Great Western Railway, will be launched this (Saturday) morning, at 11-30. The ceremony will be performed by Mrs. Bryce, wife of Mr. J. Annan Bryce, director of the N. C. and A. Co., Ltd.
The S.S. "Roebuck," twin-screw steamer for the Great Western Co. for the Channel service, has been launched and is being rapidly completed, while her sister ship, the "Reindeer," will be launched in the middle of April.
Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 06 March 1897
Launch at Barrow.-The Roebuck, one of the two vessels being built at the Naval Construction and Armaments works at Barrow for the Great Western Railway, will be launched this (Saturday) morning, at 11-30. The ceremony will be performed by Mrs. Bryce, wife of Mr. J. Annan Bryce, director of the N. C. and A. Co., Ltd.
Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Tuesday 01 June 1897
TRIAL TRIP OF S.S. ROEBUCK
The twin-screw steamer Roebuck, which has been built by the Naval Construction and Armaments Company (Limited), Barrow-in- Farness, for the Great Western Railway Company, ran her official speed trials on the Firth of Clyde yesterday. The vessel has been con structed for the Channel Islands service of the company. Her length between perpendiculars is 280 feet; beam 34 feet 4 inches, and depth from the promenade deck 23 feet 6 inches. The passenger accommodation is comfortable and highly finished, and there are quarters for 225 saloon and after-cabin passengers. The upholstery work of this vessel, and her sister ship Reindeer now being completed, was furnished by J. G. Rowan & Co., Greenock. The speed to be guaranteed was 20 knots on a continuous trial of three and a half hours. On the trial yester- day this speed was easily maintained, the mean of four runs between the Cloch and the Cumbrae being 20 knots. In the trial the engines worked satisfactorily.
TRIAL TRIP OF S.S. ROEBUCK
The twin-screw steamer Roebuck, which has been built by the Naval Construction and Armaments Company (Limited), Barrow-in- Farness, for the Great Western Railway Company, ran her official speed trials on the Firth of Clyde yesterday. The vessel has been con structed for the Channel Islands service of the company. Her length between perpendiculars is 280 feet; beam 34 feet 4 inches, and depth from the promenade deck 23 feet 6 inches. The passenger accommodation is comfortable and highly finished, and there are quarters for 225 saloon and after-cabin passengers. The upholstery work of this vessel, and her sister ship Reindeer now being completed, was furnished by J. G. Rowan & Co., Greenock. The speed to be guaranteed was 20 knots on a continuous trial of three and a half hours. On the trial yester- day this speed was easily maintained, the mean of four runs between the Cloch and the Cumbrae being 20 knots. In the trial the engines worked satisfactorily.
History
Guernsey Evening Press and Star - Tuesday 26 September 1899
OUTBREAK OF FIRE ON BOARD THE SS. ROEBUCK. On Saturday evening, shortly after the arrival of the Roebuck, the daylight boat from Weymouth, a quantity of smoke was seen to be issuing from one of the bulkheads, and on examination it proved that when the draught had been shut off the flames had set fire to the packing of the donkey-engine chimney, and had spread to the wooden casing. Some inconsiderable damage was done, but fearing the safety of the vessel might be at stake, Mr. Le Scelleur, Deputy Harbour-Master, sent for the fire engine, which, however, was not called into requisition. The men on board the Roebuck were busy yesterday repairing and making good the damage as far as possible. The Roebuck left this morning for Guernsey and Weymouth.
Weymouth Telegram - Friday 03 February 1905
THE BURNING OF THE S.S ROEBUCK.
CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE.
The Channel Islands steamer Roebuck on which a serious outbreak of fire occurred at New Milford in the early hours of last Friday morning, and which was submerged in the course of extinguishing the flames, now lies in about 13 feet of water at low tide. The extent of the damage has not yet been ascertained, but it must be considerable as the whole of the saloon and cabin accommodation for the first-class passengers has been burnt out. None of the Great Western boats are insured, consequently the whole of the loss will have to be borne by the Company.
The Great Western Railway Company, to whom the boat belongs, have engaged divers and pumping plant and by blocking up all the ship's holes it is hoped to pump the water out and raise her by the first spring tide on Mon- day next.
The Roebuck is by far the best equipped vessel on the Channel Island service, and during the season is well laden with passengers from Weymouth to Jersey and Guernsey. She was laid up at New Milford for the season, and would in the ordinary course of events resume her duties about May. She is 285 feet long, and of 1,500 tons burthen. Built at Barrow-in-Furness by the Barrow Shipbuilding and Armaments Company in 1897 at a cost of £80,000, she has accommodation for 850 passengers and a speed of 20 knots an hour.
When the fire broke out, the steward (Mr. Harwood) was returning to the ship after a short absence.
A FULL INQUIRY.
A full inquiry into the circumstances attending the outbreak was held at New Milford on Saturday by Mr. John Dunster, Marine and Dock Superintendent, Paddington, but the proceedings were private.
No cause has yet been assigned for the fire.
Jersey Evening Post - Thursday 17 October 1907
SAD OCCURRENCE ON THE SS. ROEBUCK.
Passenger's Sudden Death. Our Guernsey correspondent telegraphs: On the arrival of the ss. Roebuck from Jersey this morning, it was reported that a commercial traveller named North, in the employ of Lamb and Co., woollen manufacturers, London, had died suddenly on the passage. He was travelling in company with a friend, but remained in his cabin while his friend was on deck. Some distance past Grosnez, the steward noticed North, who had been ill, fall back on his berth. He searched for medical assistance, but without success. Death was apparently due to heart failure or cerebral hemorrhage brought on by vomiting. Dr. Bostock saw the body, which has been removed to the mortuary.
Daily Mirror - Thursday 20 July 1911
200 PASSENGERS
SAFELY LANDED.
Jersey Steamer Goes on the Rocks in Dense Fog.
FEARED LOSS OF VESSEL
The Great Western Railway mail steamer Roe- buck, from the Channel Islands for Weymouth, went ashore on the rocks off St. Brelade in a dense fog yesterday morning.
So serious was her position that the ship's boats were at once lowered and, with the aid of a pilot cutter, conveyed her 200 passengers ashore. There was no panic and the work was done very quickly and without mishap. The mails were also landed. It is feared that the vessel, which is of 1,186 gross tonnage, is badly damaged. Her forehold and forecastle are full of water.
ON THE ROCKS IN A FOG.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) JERSEY, July 19.-The Great Western Railway Company's steamer Roebuck, which left Jersey at 8.30 for Guernsey and Weymouth, struck Kaines Rocks, 300 yards off St. Brelade, at about nine o'clock in a dense fog.
She had some two hundred passengers on board, and everyone was landed at St. Brelade without panic of any description.
A pilot boat standing near came to the help of the vessel, and some boats from the steamer 10 save time also landed passengers at Le Creux Harbour, close to St. Brelade. Rockets were fired to call other assistance.
Nearly every man on board helped to put lifebelts on the women, who behaved with splendid composure. All luggage had to be left aboard, but was subsequently put ashore.
Mr. Harry Eccles, of Ealing, a passenger, said that he was standing near the captain's bridge when he saw rocks ahead. A moment later the Roebuck was on them.
The vessel shook from stem to stern, heeled over to starboard, and then righted herself.
The women and children were the first to get aboard the pilot boat, and the ship's boats were lowered. There was no panic, and all passengers speak very highly of the Chief Officer Allan, who, in the calmest way, superintended the work of landing the passengers.
Mr. Arthur Cole, of Bristol, a passenger, stated that at breakfast-time a vibrating, grating sound was heard, and in a second all the breakfast things and eatables were swept away.
THEATRICAL COMPANY ON BOARD.
53 Members of "The Passing of the Third Floor Back theatrical company, who were to play at Guernsey, were among those on board.
Miss Lillian Williams and Miss Anton Laing described the sensation of the ship striking rocks as something like a first night at the theatre-" It put us all on nerves."
They managed to catch hold of small articles before being taken off.
Pilot Renouf, who is in charge of the pilot boat, and his two colleagues say that the Roebuck will break her back at low tide.
The pilot says he heard the Roebuck's siren and a moment later a crash as she went ashore and the firing of rockets. He took his cutter alongside and took passengers aboard.
The chief officer says the vessel proceeded slowly. No land could be seen, and the only warning they had of danger was when the Kat buck struck.
Her watertight bulkheads were closed within sixty seconds of the shock, and in less than five minutes boats were lowered and the passengers were disembarked.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT.
An official statement was issued at Paddington as follows:-
"Information has been received from the Channel Isles that the Roebuck homeward bound from Jersey to-day, ran on the rock of St. Brelade Bay.
"The passengers, mails and luggage have been safely landed, and will be forwarded by the special relief service which has been arranged."
The passengers of the Roebuck will arrive at Weymouth by the railway steamer Reindeer early this morning.
OUTBREAK OF FIRE ON BOARD THE SS. ROEBUCK. On Saturday evening, shortly after the arrival of the Roebuck, the daylight boat from Weymouth, a quantity of smoke was seen to be issuing from one of the bulkheads, and on examination it proved that when the draught had been shut off the flames had set fire to the packing of the donkey-engine chimney, and had spread to the wooden casing. Some inconsiderable damage was done, but fearing the safety of the vessel might be at stake, Mr. Le Scelleur, Deputy Harbour-Master, sent for the fire engine, which, however, was not called into requisition. The men on board the Roebuck were busy yesterday repairing and making good the damage as far as possible. The Roebuck left this morning for Guernsey and Weymouth.
Weymouth Telegram - Friday 03 February 1905
THE BURNING OF THE S.S ROEBUCK.
CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE.
The Channel Islands steamer Roebuck on which a serious outbreak of fire occurred at New Milford in the early hours of last Friday morning, and which was submerged in the course of extinguishing the flames, now lies in about 13 feet of water at low tide. The extent of the damage has not yet been ascertained, but it must be considerable as the whole of the saloon and cabin accommodation for the first-class passengers has been burnt out. None of the Great Western boats are insured, consequently the whole of the loss will have to be borne by the Company.
The Great Western Railway Company, to whom the boat belongs, have engaged divers and pumping plant and by blocking up all the ship's holes it is hoped to pump the water out and raise her by the first spring tide on Mon- day next.
The Roebuck is by far the best equipped vessel on the Channel Island service, and during the season is well laden with passengers from Weymouth to Jersey and Guernsey. She was laid up at New Milford for the season, and would in the ordinary course of events resume her duties about May. She is 285 feet long, and of 1,500 tons burthen. Built at Barrow-in-Furness by the Barrow Shipbuilding and Armaments Company in 1897 at a cost of £80,000, she has accommodation for 850 passengers and a speed of 20 knots an hour.
When the fire broke out, the steward (Mr. Harwood) was returning to the ship after a short absence.
A FULL INQUIRY.
A full inquiry into the circumstances attending the outbreak was held at New Milford on Saturday by Mr. John Dunster, Marine and Dock Superintendent, Paddington, but the proceedings were private.
No cause has yet been assigned for the fire.
Jersey Evening Post - Thursday 17 October 1907
SAD OCCURRENCE ON THE SS. ROEBUCK.
Passenger's Sudden Death. Our Guernsey correspondent telegraphs: On the arrival of the ss. Roebuck from Jersey this morning, it was reported that a commercial traveller named North, in the employ of Lamb and Co., woollen manufacturers, London, had died suddenly on the passage. He was travelling in company with a friend, but remained in his cabin while his friend was on deck. Some distance past Grosnez, the steward noticed North, who had been ill, fall back on his berth. He searched for medical assistance, but without success. Death was apparently due to heart failure or cerebral hemorrhage brought on by vomiting. Dr. Bostock saw the body, which has been removed to the mortuary.
Daily Mirror - Thursday 20 July 1911
200 PASSENGERS
SAFELY LANDED.
Jersey Steamer Goes on the Rocks in Dense Fog.
FEARED LOSS OF VESSEL
The Great Western Railway mail steamer Roe- buck, from the Channel Islands for Weymouth, went ashore on the rocks off St. Brelade in a dense fog yesterday morning.
So serious was her position that the ship's boats were at once lowered and, with the aid of a pilot cutter, conveyed her 200 passengers ashore. There was no panic and the work was done very quickly and without mishap. The mails were also landed. It is feared that the vessel, which is of 1,186 gross tonnage, is badly damaged. Her forehold and forecastle are full of water.
ON THE ROCKS IN A FOG.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) JERSEY, July 19.-The Great Western Railway Company's steamer Roebuck, which left Jersey at 8.30 for Guernsey and Weymouth, struck Kaines Rocks, 300 yards off St. Brelade, at about nine o'clock in a dense fog.
She had some two hundred passengers on board, and everyone was landed at St. Brelade without panic of any description.
A pilot boat standing near came to the help of the vessel, and some boats from the steamer 10 save time also landed passengers at Le Creux Harbour, close to St. Brelade. Rockets were fired to call other assistance.
Nearly every man on board helped to put lifebelts on the women, who behaved with splendid composure. All luggage had to be left aboard, but was subsequently put ashore.
Mr. Harry Eccles, of Ealing, a passenger, said that he was standing near the captain's bridge when he saw rocks ahead. A moment later the Roebuck was on them.
The vessel shook from stem to stern, heeled over to starboard, and then righted herself.
The women and children were the first to get aboard the pilot boat, and the ship's boats were lowered. There was no panic, and all passengers speak very highly of the Chief Officer Allan, who, in the calmest way, superintended the work of landing the passengers.
Mr. Arthur Cole, of Bristol, a passenger, stated that at breakfast-time a vibrating, grating sound was heard, and in a second all the breakfast things and eatables were swept away.
THEATRICAL COMPANY ON BOARD.
53 Members of "The Passing of the Third Floor Back theatrical company, who were to play at Guernsey, were among those on board.
Miss Lillian Williams and Miss Anton Laing described the sensation of the ship striking rocks as something like a first night at the theatre-" It put us all on nerves."
They managed to catch hold of small articles before being taken off.
Pilot Renouf, who is in charge of the pilot boat, and his two colleagues say that the Roebuck will break her back at low tide.
The pilot says he heard the Roebuck's siren and a moment later a crash as she went ashore and the firing of rockets. He took his cutter alongside and took passengers aboard.
The chief officer says the vessel proceeded slowly. No land could be seen, and the only warning they had of danger was when the Kat buck struck.
Her watertight bulkheads were closed within sixty seconds of the shock, and in less than five minutes boats were lowered and the passengers were disembarked.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT.
An official statement was issued at Paddington as follows:-
"Information has been received from the Channel Isles that the Roebuck homeward bound from Jersey to-day, ran on the rock of St. Brelade Bay.
"The passengers, mails and luggage have been safely landed, and will be forwarded by the special relief service which has been arranged."
The passengers of the Roebuck will arrive at Weymouth by the railway steamer Reindeer early this morning.
Paisley Daily Express - Monday 24 July 1911
The salvage operations on board the Roebuck at Jersey progressed so well that the vessel was refloated on Saturday afternoon. She was making so much water that it was decided to postpone the attempt to tow her into St Helier Harbour. |
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Cork Examiner - Saturday 29 July 1911
A message from Jersey says the Mail steamer Roebuck was refloated and towed off the rocks at 7.15 last night, to be beached in St. Brelade's Bay.
A message from Jersey says the Mail steamer Roebuck was refloated and towed off the rocks at 7.15 last night, to be beached in St. Brelade's Bay.
Guernsey Evening Press and Star - Tuesday 29 August 1911
THE ROEBUCK.
ss Roebuck passed up the Great Russel at 11 o'clock this morning on her way to Southampton. The steamer was travelling very slowly and was accompanied by the salvage steamer Svitser. Powerful pumps were placed on hoard the Roebuck for the purpose of keeping any inrush of water from gaining too much headway.
THE ROEBUCK.
ss Roebuck passed up the Great Russel at 11 o'clock this morning on her way to Southampton. The steamer was travelling very slowly and was accompanied by the salvage steamer Svitser. Powerful pumps were placed on hoard the Roebuck for the purpose of keeping any inrush of water from gaining too much headway.
WW1
S.S. Roebuck was requisitioned by the Royal Navy on 2nd October 1914 and was converted into a minesweeper and renamed HMS Roedean.
The Loss
On 13th January 1915 the HMS Roedean dragged her anchor in Longhope Bay during a gale and collided with the bow of the repair hulk Imperious. Despite dropping a second anchor and seeking assistance from two tugs, she settled stern first and sank. No crew were lost.
After sinking, both masts were visible from Hackness Martello Tower protruding from the seabed, making the site a hazard to navigation. The wreck was buoyed with a green buoy to the east
After sinking, both masts were visible from Hackness Martello Tower protruding from the seabed, making the site a hazard to navigation. The wreck was buoyed with a green buoy to the east
The Wreck Today
Longhope Bay & wreck of HMS Roedean. (UKHO)
HMS Roedean has UKHO Wreck Card971. The wreck sits in Longhope Bay in 12m of water in position 58°48,572'N 03°09,831'W.
The remains were extensively blasted in 1953 and again in 1956 to clear the superstructure, (Churchill College Archives, FELL 4/2). This is likely the cause of the extensive field of debris which surround the main wreck site.
The Scotsman - Saturday 16 November 1968
SALVAGE VESSEL SINKS AT SCAPA.
Heavy loss
A 550-ton lifting vessel engaged on salvage work in Scapa Flow, Orkney sank during a gale yesterday off Millbay. There was no one on board at the time.
The vessel, owned by Metal Recoveries of Orkney had been at work for 18 months breaking up the sunk British minesweeper Roedean in Long Hope Bay and a German escort vessel off Millbay.
The salvage vessel sank at the spot where the German ship lies, and may now be lying on her. Mr D. E. Homan, in charge of the salvage operations, said yester- day: "It is a heavy loss as we had on board quite a lot of irreplaceable equipment, accumulated during the years."
The remains were extensively blasted in 1953 and again in 1956 to clear the superstructure, (Churchill College Archives, FELL 4/2). This is likely the cause of the extensive field of debris which surround the main wreck site.
The Scotsman - Saturday 16 November 1968
SALVAGE VESSEL SINKS AT SCAPA.
Heavy loss
A 550-ton lifting vessel engaged on salvage work in Scapa Flow, Orkney sank during a gale yesterday off Millbay. There was no one on board at the time.
The vessel, owned by Metal Recoveries of Orkney had been at work for 18 months breaking up the sunk British minesweeper Roedean in Long Hope Bay and a German escort vessel off Millbay.
The salvage vessel sank at the spot where the German ship lies, and may now be lying on her. Mr D. E. Homan, in charge of the salvage operations, said yester- day: "It is a heavy loss as we had on board quite a lot of irreplaceable equipment, accumulated during the years."
Survey 2013
Although the wreck is well broken up, the main wreckage falls within the confines of her original dimensions. Oriented east to west with the bow to the west the boilers midships. The wreck is visited by local dive boats.
Side Scan Sonar imaged of HMS Roedean from HES funded Scapa Flow 2013 Project ORCA/SULA
