R.F.A. Beacon Light
SS Beacon Light.
RFA Beacon Light. 19/02/1918
Displacement: 2,768 grt.
Length: 95 m. Beam: 12 m. Draught: 8 m
.
Propulsion: 1 x 2 cyl; Compound expansion steam engine, three boilers, single shaft, 1 screw
Complement: ?? officers and men.
Men Lost: 33
Armament: Yes.
Displacement: 2,768 grt.
Length: 95 m. Beam: 12 m. Draught: 8 m
.
Propulsion: 1 x 2 cyl; Compound expansion steam engine, three boilers, single shaft, 1 screw
Complement: ?? officers and men.
Men Lost: 33
Armament: Yes.
SS Beacon Light, steel tanker built by Armstrong & Mitchell Co. Ltd., Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in 1890 for the Beacon Light Steamship Co Ltd (R Stewart & Co), Liverpool. In 1898 the ship was sold to the Bear Creek Oil & Shipping Co., Ltd (CT Bowring & Co Ltd), Liverpool.
Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Thursday 13 March 1890
LAUNCH OF A PETROLEUM STEAMER.-Last Monday there was launched from the Low Walker yard of Messrs. Sir W. G. Armstrong, Mitchell, and Co., a large screw-steamer, built on Swan's principle, for the carriage of petroleum in bulk. The vessel is capable of carrying 4,200 tons dead- weight on a moderate draft of water. She has two large Worthington pumps and a very complete piping installation for dealing with her cargo. The vessel will be fitted throughout with electric light on the moit improved system. On leaving the ways the vessel was named the Beacon Light by Mrs. R, Stewart, of Liverpool, and immediately after the launch was taken to the works of the Wallsend Slipway and Engineering Company, where she will be fitted with machinery on the triple-expansion system, embracing all the latest improvements. The vessel has been built for Messrs. R. Stewart and Co., who are amongst the largest importers of petroleum In Liverpool, and the Beacon Light is the second vessel which Messrs. Armstrong, Mitchell, and Co. have built for the same owners.
Fairplay - Friday 14 March 1890
LAUNCHES OF THE WEEK.
Mar 10th
MESSRS. ARMSTRONG, MITCHELL & Co., the s.s. Beacon Light 4,200 tons deadweight. Owners, Messrs. R. Stewart & Co., Liverpool.
LAUNCH OF A PETROLEUM STEAMER.-Last Monday there was launched from the Low Walker yard of Messrs. Sir W. G. Armstrong, Mitchell, and Co., a large screw-steamer, built on Swan's principle, for the carriage of petroleum in bulk. The vessel is capable of carrying 4,200 tons dead- weight on a moderate draft of water. She has two large Worthington pumps and a very complete piping installation for dealing with her cargo. The vessel will be fitted throughout with electric light on the moit improved system. On leaving the ways the vessel was named the Beacon Light by Mrs. R, Stewart, of Liverpool, and immediately after the launch was taken to the works of the Wallsend Slipway and Engineering Company, where she will be fitted with machinery on the triple-expansion system, embracing all the latest improvements. The vessel has been built for Messrs. R. Stewart and Co., who are amongst the largest importers of petroleum In Liverpool, and the Beacon Light is the second vessel which Messrs. Armstrong, Mitchell, and Co. have built for the same owners.
Fairplay - Friday 14 March 1890
LAUNCHES OF THE WEEK.
Mar 10th
MESSRS. ARMSTRONG, MITCHELL & Co., the s.s. Beacon Light 4,200 tons deadweight. Owners, Messrs. R. Stewart & Co., Liverpool.
History
Shields Daily Gazette - Wednesday 21 May 1890
COLLISION WITH AN ICBEBERG.
NARROW ESCAPE OF A TYNE STEAMER.
The British tank steamer Beacon Light from North Shields, arrived at New York yesterday, reports a collision with an iceberg 90 ft. high and 600 ft. long, while in a dense fog, lat. 44, long. 48, early on the morning of the 13th. The vessel was going half-speed when the berg suddenly loomed up out of the fog. The helmsman's quick turn of the wheel made the vessel sheer enough so that she did not strike full on it. However, the vessel was much injured, and the forecastle was smashed in by the dislodged masses of ice. The crew got out the boats, expecting the vessel would go down. Daylight showed that the steamer could proceed to port, although leaking badly.
Lake's Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser - Saturday 07 June 1890
MR. Samuel Lapthorne Rusden, son of Mr. J. H. Rusden, Arwenack Street, Falmouth, was one of the engineers on board the new oil tank steamer, Beacon Light, 2,800 tons, 332 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 28 feet deep, owned by Messrs. Stuart & Co., Liverpool, and built by Messrs. Armstrong and Co., Newcastle-on-Tyne. The vessel, built to carry 4,000 tons of oil, left Newcastle carrying 2,800 tons of water ballast, and came into violent collision with a mammoth iceberg, off the Great Banks, on the 14th May. The New York World speaks very highly of the courageous conduct of the Captain of the Beacon Light, and says that a serious calamity was only averted by his presence of mind. The iceberg which the ship collided with, was about one hundred feet high and over six hundred feet long. The captain says "It was the grandest sight I ever beheld to see the big avalanche of ice drifting astern as we gazed at it. As it came out of the fog, before we could distinctly see it, it looked like a cloud, but when it revealed itself I was almost transfixed with awe and fright. Our electric search light shone upon it, which added to its glistening grandeur. We saw it just in time. Had my ship been travelling very rapidly I dread to think what would have been the consequences. As it was we were only going at half-speed, which enabled us to stp our headway before we crashed into it. It is an experience I never want again. Our escape from destruction was most providential." This was Mr. Rusden's first voyage since obtaining his certificate.
Bristol Mercury - Monday 23 March 1891
SHIPPING NEWS.
BRISTOL, SUNDAY.
The tank steamer Beacon Light, just arrived at Avon- mouth Dock with petroleum, encountered heavy weather hortly after leaving Philadelphia. When in 40 43 N., 59 47 W., on the 4th inst., with the wind blowing almost a hurricane from the N.E. and a mountainous sea, she was forced to heave to for 42 hours, heavy seas breaking on board. A piece of iron that was lashed on deck worked adrift, damaging the pump-room, side bunkers, and wheel- bouse, The steamer successfully weathered the gale; but the excessive straining has caused a leakage at the stern frame.
COLLISION WITH AN ICBEBERG.
NARROW ESCAPE OF A TYNE STEAMER.
The British tank steamer Beacon Light from North Shields, arrived at New York yesterday, reports a collision with an iceberg 90 ft. high and 600 ft. long, while in a dense fog, lat. 44, long. 48, early on the morning of the 13th. The vessel was going half-speed when the berg suddenly loomed up out of the fog. The helmsman's quick turn of the wheel made the vessel sheer enough so that she did not strike full on it. However, the vessel was much injured, and the forecastle was smashed in by the dislodged masses of ice. The crew got out the boats, expecting the vessel would go down. Daylight showed that the steamer could proceed to port, although leaking badly.
Lake's Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser - Saturday 07 June 1890
MR. Samuel Lapthorne Rusden, son of Mr. J. H. Rusden, Arwenack Street, Falmouth, was one of the engineers on board the new oil tank steamer, Beacon Light, 2,800 tons, 332 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 28 feet deep, owned by Messrs. Stuart & Co., Liverpool, and built by Messrs. Armstrong and Co., Newcastle-on-Tyne. The vessel, built to carry 4,000 tons of oil, left Newcastle carrying 2,800 tons of water ballast, and came into violent collision with a mammoth iceberg, off the Great Banks, on the 14th May. The New York World speaks very highly of the courageous conduct of the Captain of the Beacon Light, and says that a serious calamity was only averted by his presence of mind. The iceberg which the ship collided with, was about one hundred feet high and over six hundred feet long. The captain says "It was the grandest sight I ever beheld to see the big avalanche of ice drifting astern as we gazed at it. As it came out of the fog, before we could distinctly see it, it looked like a cloud, but when it revealed itself I was almost transfixed with awe and fright. Our electric search light shone upon it, which added to its glistening grandeur. We saw it just in time. Had my ship been travelling very rapidly I dread to think what would have been the consequences. As it was we were only going at half-speed, which enabled us to stp our headway before we crashed into it. It is an experience I never want again. Our escape from destruction was most providential." This was Mr. Rusden's first voyage since obtaining his certificate.
Bristol Mercury - Monday 23 March 1891
SHIPPING NEWS.
BRISTOL, SUNDAY.
The tank steamer Beacon Light, just arrived at Avon- mouth Dock with petroleum, encountered heavy weather hortly after leaving Philadelphia. When in 40 43 N., 59 47 W., on the 4th inst., with the wind blowing almost a hurricane from the N.E. and a mountainous sea, she was forced to heave to for 42 hours, heavy seas breaking on board. A piece of iron that was lashed on deck worked adrift, damaging the pump-room, side bunkers, and wheel- bouse, The steamer successfully weathered the gale; but the excessive straining has caused a leakage at the stern frame.
WW1
1914 requisitioned for Admiralty service as a tanker with Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service.
On the 19th February 1918 the armed RFA Beacon Light was on route from Liverpool to Scapa Flow with a cargo of fuel oil. The ship was torpedoed 15 miles SE of Butt of Lewis by U-91, (Kapitänleutnant Alfred von Glasenapp). 33 crew were lost including 3 servicemen.
On the 19th February 1918 the armed RFA Beacon Light was on route from Liverpool to Scapa Flow with a cargo of fuel oil. The ship was torpedoed 15 miles SE of Butt of Lewis by U-91, (Kapitänleutnant Alfred von Glasenapp). 33 crew were lost including 3 servicemen.
SM U-91 KTB.
19/02/1918.
The KTB of U-81 shows that at 5.00 am (Berlin time) a large tanker is seen steaming from Stornoway in the direction of Cape Wrath. U 81 is going to attack on the surface.
6.10 am (Berlin time) One G 7 torpedo is fired accidentally. U 91 then prepares for another attack.
6.28 am(Berlin time) One G 7 torpedo fired from 660 meters, ship is hit and U boat submerges.
7.10 am (Berlin time) U 91 surfaces. Tanker is leaning over 40 deg and down by the bow. Destroyers are seen 300 meters away. Submerges and loads a torpedo for a finishing shot.
10.15 am surfaced. The tanker and escorts are gone so it is assumed tanker has sunk.
The KTB of U-81 shows that at 5.00 am (Berlin time) a large tanker is seen steaming from Stornoway in the direction of Cape Wrath. U 81 is going to attack on the surface.
6.10 am (Berlin time) One G 7 torpedo is fired accidentally. U 91 then prepares for another attack.
6.28 am(Berlin time) One G 7 torpedo fired from 660 meters, ship is hit and U boat submerges.
7.10 am (Berlin time) U 91 surfaces. Tanker is leaning over 40 deg and down by the bow. Destroyers are seen 300 meters away. Submerges and loads a torpedo for a finishing shot.
10.15 am surfaced. The tanker and escorts are gone so it is assumed tanker has sunk.
Torpedo Log Sheet U-91 Chart U-91
The Wreck.
The SS Beacon Light has Wreck Card 802. The card was created in 1919. The wreck was added the the chart as ''old wreck symbol (1918) PA'' in position 582400N, 054900W.
In 1929 this was amended to NDW (non-Dangerous Wreck)
In 1954 the wreck was reported located by SONAR, good echo.
1970 Not found during survey by HMS Fawn, but some contacts that were not examined located in 582320N 054724W.
In 1984 a wreck was located 90m long by 15m wide and 8m high was located in 58°27,375'N 05°45,056'W. The wreck sits in 112m of water and appears upright and orientated 049/229 deg.
The SS Beacon Light has Wreck Card 802. The card was created in 1919. The wreck was added the the chart as ''old wreck symbol (1918) PA'' in position 582400N, 054900W.
In 1929 this was amended to NDW (non-Dangerous Wreck)
In 1954 the wreck was reported located by SONAR, good echo.
1970 Not found during survey by HMS Fawn, but some contacts that were not examined located in 582320N 054724W.
In 1984 a wreck was located 90m long by 15m wide and 8m high was located in 58°27,375'N 05°45,056'W. The wreck sits in 112m of water and appears upright and orientated 049/229 deg.
Above: North Coast of Scotland - Cape Wrath to the Flannan Isles including the northern parts of The North Minch and Lewis 1924 (UKHO)
Crew Lost. (Research into crew ongoing)
LAPPER, Jack, Able Seaman, RNVR, Bristol Z 9827
LONG, Samuel J, Leading Seaman, RNVR, Wales Z 2838
WAGGOTT, John T, Able Seaman, RNVR, Tyneside Z 9438
Crew Serving in Mercantile Marine, SS Beacon Light †19/02/1918.
The crew are remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial.
BARNARD, THOMAS HENRY (20), Fourth Engineer Officer, Son of Thomas Henry Barnard, and Nellie Emma Barnard (nee Vince), of 63, Maynard Rd., Walthamstow, Essex. Born at Walthamstow,
BEASHEL, PATRICK (26), Able Seaman, Mercantile Marine Medal 1914-1918, 1891 ~ 1918, Son of Thomas and Catherine Beashel (nee Knight), of Main St., Rush, Co. Dublin.
BEASHEL, WILLIAM (32), Fireman, Son of Richard and Margaret Beashel (nee Ohram), of Main St., Rush, Co. Dublin.
BRADSHAW, LAWRENCE (28), Second Cook, Son of the late Lawrence and Elizabeth Bradshaw; husband of Gwendoline Olive Bradshaw (nee Pain), of 101, Liverpool Rd., St. Helens, Lancs. Born at Birkenhead.
CLARKE, EDWARD (53), Able Seaman, Son of the late Thomas and Ann Clarke. Born at Port St. Mary, Isle of Man.
DAVIES, WILLIAM LEWIS (25), Second Engineer, Son of James and Maud Davies (nee Evans), of Blaenwaun Farm, Mount, Cardigan. Born at St. Marys, Cardigan.
DOCTER, ALLAN PROCTOR (49), Chief Mate, Son of the late Alexander Docter; husband of Isabella Beattie Docter (nee Gordon), of 31, Mellor Rd., Prenton, Birkenhead. Born at Arbroath.
FLOWER, ROBERT HENRY (33), Chief Engineer, Son of Robert Henry and the late Bessie Flower; husband of Elsie Maggie Flower (nee Mowatt). of 48, East India Dock Rd., Poplar, London. Born at Portsmouth.
GANNON, JAMES (44), Boatswain, Son of the late Thomas and Martha Gannon; husband of Margaret Gannon (nee Downey), of 47, South Chester St., Liverpool. Born in Co. Wexford.
HARRISON, HERBERT (28), Seaman, Son of William Harrison, of Bridge House, Ramsgill, Yorks, and the late Mary Harrison.
HARTE, JOHN (41), Fireman, Son of James Harte, of 99, Beaufort St., Liverpool, and the late Catherine Harte.
HOWLETT, FRANCIS JAMES (23), Second Mate, Son of John James and Catherine Annie Howlett, of 4, Firdale Rd., Walton, Liverpool. Born at Liverpool.
JACOBSON, LEONARD (28), Ship's Cook, Son of the late Bernard and Mary Jacobson; husband of Ruby May Hopegood (formerly Jacobson, nee Shepherd), of 59, Eversley St., Liverpool. Born at Liverpool.
JOHNSTON, JOHN (51), Fireman & Trimmer, Son of the late John and Mary Anne Johnston; husband of Mary Jane Johnston (nee O'Rielly), of 51, Gt. Richmond St., Liverpool. Born at Belfast
KIERNAN, JOHN JOSEPH (16), Seaman, Son of Bridget Kiernan (nee McDonagh), of 51, Elizabeth St., Liverpool, and the late Brian Kiernan. Born at Ryehill, Galway.
KINSEY, ROBERT WILLIAM YELLOLY (36), Engineers' Steward, Son of the late William and Mary Jane Kinsey. Born at Liverpool.
KNIGHT, ERNEST THOMAS (32), 2nd Steward, Son of the late Richard and Ann Knight; husband of Gladys Ethel Knight (nee Snaith), of 32, Mark St., Cardiff. Born at Exeter.
MACMILLAN, STUART GORDON (23), Chief Steward, Born at Fort William, Inverness.
MULHOLLAND, LOUIS (28), Able Seaman, Son of Marian Mulholland, of 17, Hereford Rd., Seaforth, Liverpool, and the late Patrick Mulholland. Born at Waterloo. Liverpool.
MULLEN, MICHAEL (45), Fireman & Trimmer, Son of Mary and the late Charles Mullen; husband of Annie Mullen (nee Doyle), of 11, Seldon St., Liverpool. Born at Liverpool.
NUTTER, JOHN (29), Fireman, Son of Martha Nutter, of 18, Sharp St., Askam-in-Furness, Lancs. Born at Burnley.
OWEN , J Master.
OWEN, WILLIAM JAMES (40), Carpenter, Son of the late James and Jane Owen; husband of Grace Alice Owen (nee Roberts), of Bodfewing, Upper Llandurog, Carnarvonshire. Born at Nevin.
RIEBELT, JAMES (26), Donkeyman, Born in Australia.
Belfast Telegraph - Wednesday 22 January 1919
RESTAURANT ROMANCE.
U BOAT CAUSES TRAGIC ENDING.
In the Liverpool County Court Judge Thomas was asked to make an award under the Workmen's Compensation Act in favour of the infant daughter of Julia Pinguey and James Ribelt.
Mrs. Pinguey, the wife of a Liverpool dock labourer, obtained a separation order against her husband four years ago on the ground of desertion. She then took a situation as waitress at a restaurant, where she met Ribelt, an Australian, engaged as donkeyman on the s.8. Beacon Light.
This acquaintance ripened into intimacy, and Ribelt repeatedly pressed Mrs. Pinguey to marry him and risk the consequences, but she refused. She, however, wrote to her husband asking him to divorce her, but he said he would have nothing more to do with her or their daughter.
Ultimately a child was born, of which Ribelt was the putative father, but before that event Ribelt had lost his life in the Beacon Light, which was torpedoed by a German submarine on the 19th February. 1918.
Before embarking on his last voyage Ribelt made arrangements at a private nursing home for the approaching accouchment of Mrs. Pinguey, and in numerous letters he had addressed her as his "dear wife," and had signed himself as her loving husband."
Mr. Newman asked his Honour to say that the infant was wholly dependent upon the father, James Ribelt.
Mr. Proctor. for the respondente, Mere. C. T. Bowring and Co., the owners of the Beacon Light, disputed the paternity, and on the question of dependence said it could only be partial, if at all.
His Honour, in giving an award for £200, said there was no question as to the paternity, and with regard to the dependence, had Ribelt lived and not married the girl, an affiliation order would probably have been made, which would have involved a large sum in the event of the child living.
Belfast Telegraph - Wednesday 22 January 1919
RESTAURANT ROMANCE.
U BOAT CAUSES TRAGIC ENDING.
In the Liverpool County Court Judge Thomas was asked to make an award under the Workmen's Compensation Act in favour of the infant daughter of Julia Pinguey and James Ribelt.
Mrs. Pinguey, the wife of a Liverpool dock labourer, obtained a separation order against her husband four years ago on the ground of desertion. She then took a situation as waitress at a restaurant, where she met Ribelt, an Australian, engaged as donkeyman on the s.8. Beacon Light.
This acquaintance ripened into intimacy, and Ribelt repeatedly pressed Mrs. Pinguey to marry him and risk the consequences, but she refused. She, however, wrote to her husband asking him to divorce her, but he said he would have nothing more to do with her or their daughter.
Ultimately a child was born, of which Ribelt was the putative father, but before that event Ribelt had lost his life in the Beacon Light, which was torpedoed by a German submarine on the 19th February. 1918.
Before embarking on his last voyage Ribelt made arrangements at a private nursing home for the approaching accouchment of Mrs. Pinguey, and in numerous letters he had addressed her as his "dear wife," and had signed himself as her loving husband."
Mr. Newman asked his Honour to say that the infant was wholly dependent upon the father, James Ribelt.
Mr. Proctor. for the respondente, Mere. C. T. Bowring and Co., the owners of the Beacon Light, disputed the paternity, and on the question of dependence said it could only be partial, if at all.
His Honour, in giving an award for £200, said there was no question as to the paternity, and with regard to the dependence, had Ribelt lived and not married the girl, an affiliation order would probably have been made, which would have involved a large sum in the event of the child living.
ROBERTSON, JAMES FARQUHARSON (22), Third Mate, Son of the late Charles and Jane Robertson (nee Walker). Born at Dundee.
ROSS, THOMAS (49), Seaman, Born in Newfoundland.
RYAN, BERNARD (45), Fireman, Son of John Ryan, of Foughilstra, Flurrybridge, Newry, Co. Armagh, and the late Catherine Ryan.
SEDDON, BERNARD (25), Third Engineer, Son of Joseph and Cecilia Seddon, of Shirley Rd., Acocks Green, Birmingham. Born at Sheffield.
SHIELDS, JOHN (40), Fireman, Son of the late John and Mary Shields. Born at Skelmersdale.
WATKIN, THOMAS (36), Fireman, Son of James and Lizzie Watkin; husband of Margaret Watkin (nee Simon), of 20, Greenside, Brunswick Rd., Everton, Lancs. Born at Liverpool.
