S.S. Birka
S.S. Birka as S.S. Orchis 1907 Cyprus.
.S.S.Birka 10/01/1916
Displacement: 1790 grt.
Length: 85.5 m. Beam: 10.8m. Draught: .7.5 m.
Propulsion: 2 x boiler. 1 x 2 cyl. compound engine, single shaft, 1 screw,
Machinery: J Howden & Co, Glasgow
Complement: 19
Men Lost: All
Armament: No
Displacement: 1790 grt.
Length: 85.5 m. Beam: 10.8m. Draught: .7.5 m.
Propulsion: 2 x boiler. 1 x 2 cyl. compound engine, single shaft, 1 screw,
Machinery: J Howden & Co, Glasgow
Complement: 19
Men Lost: All
Armament: No
The iron steamship S.S. Birka was launched as the S.S. Orchis in 1871 by Lawrie J.G & Co, Glasgow for Hargrove, Ferguson & Jackson, Liverpool.
In 1877 sold to W Johnston & Co, Liverpool. (Orchis)
In 1883 sold to Hornstedt & Carthorne, Liverpool. (Orchis)
In 1889 sold to Orchis S.S. Co Ltd. - Wescott & Laurence Ltd mgrs, Liverpool. (Orchis)
In 1913 sold to A/S Brunkeberg (Moller & Persson mgrs), Stockholm and renamed Birka.
In 1877 sold to W Johnston & Co, Liverpool. (Orchis)
In 1883 sold to Hornstedt & Carthorne, Liverpool. (Orchis)
In 1889 sold to Orchis S.S. Co Ltd. - Wescott & Laurence Ltd mgrs, Liverpool. (Orchis)
In 1913 sold to A/S Brunkeberg (Moller & Persson mgrs), Stockholm and renamed Birka.
Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Thursday 10 November 1870
SHIPBUILDING.
Mr J.G. Lawrie launched at Whiteinch, yesterday, a steamer a steamer of 1800 tons to order of MessersHargrove, Ferguson & Jackson, of Liverpool. The vessel, on leaving the ways, was named ''Orchis'' by Miss Hargrave.
SHIPBUILDING.
Mr J.G. Lawrie launched at Whiteinch, yesterday, a steamer a steamer of 1800 tons to order of MessersHargrove, Ferguson & Jackson, of Liverpool. The vessel, on leaving the ways, was named ''Orchis'' by Miss Hargrave.
Lloyd's Register of Shipping 1871
History
Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Saturday 21 January 1871
North British Daily Mail - Friday 13 January 1871
The new screw steamer Orchis, 1800 tons and 200 nominal, the property of Messrs Hargrove, Ferguson, & Jack: eon, Liverpool, sailed from Glasgow Harbour yesterday for the Gareloch. She will have her compasses adjusted, and thence proceed to Liverpool, where she takes the berth for Bombay, sailing on the 25th inst., and proceeding via the Suez Canal. The Orchis has been built by Mr J. G. Lawrie, Whiteinch, and is specially fitted up for the light goods traffic to India via the Canal. Capt. Crawford, who has had considerable experience in this trade, commands the ship.
The new screw steamer Orchis, 1800 tons and 200 nominal, the property of Messrs Hargrove, Ferguson, & Jack: eon, Liverpool, sailed from Glasgow Harbour yesterday for the Gareloch. She will have her compasses adjusted, and thence proceed to Liverpool, where she takes the berth for Bombay, sailing on the 25th inst., and proceeding via the Suez Canal. The Orchis has been built by Mr J. G. Lawrie, Whiteinch, and is specially fitted up for the light goods traffic to India via the Canal. Capt. Crawford, who has had considerable experience in this trade, commands the ship.
Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury - Saturday 21 January 1871
Trial Trip,—The fine double-decked screw-steamer, Orchis, of 1,760 tons, gross, 281 by 33,6 by 25, and 200 nominal horse power—which has just been completed for Messrs Hargrove, Fergusson, and Jackson, Liverpool, has made a trial of the working of her machinery by running from the Gareloch to Liverpool. It was found that she made 11 knots per hour on easy steaming, and the consumption fuel which was tested by the Inspectors for the Owners, was found to remarkably small, and fully sustaining the high reputation for economy of these patent engines.
Trial Trip,—The fine double-decked screw-steamer, Orchis, of 1,760 tons, gross, 281 by 33,6 by 25, and 200 nominal horse power—which has just been completed for Messrs Hargrove, Fergusson, and Jackson, Liverpool, has made a trial of the working of her machinery by running from the Gareloch to Liverpool. It was found that she made 11 knots per hour on easy steaming, and the consumption fuel which was tested by the Inspectors for the Owners, was found to remarkably small, and fully sustaining the high reputation for economy of these patent engines.
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 26 January 1871
A NEW STEAMER FOR BOMBAY via THE SUEZ CANAL --
Among the new steamers called into existence by the opening of the Suez Canal, Messrs. Hargrove, Fergusson, and Jackson, of Chapel-street, in this town, have just placed on the berth a new Clyde-built iron screw-steamer, the Orchis. This vessel, which is at present lying in the Bramley-Moore Dock and is intended to sail on the 1st of next month, is a fine specimen of naval architecture. She is 1,138 tons register, 200 horse-power nominal, and is registered in the highest class at Lloyd's, the Liverpool Underwriter's, and in Veritas. Her length is 280 feet 5 inches; her breadth of beam 33 feet 8 inches, and her depth of hold 24 feet 9 inches. She was built by Mr. J. G. Laurie, of Glasgow; her engines being supplied by Messrs. James Howden, and Co., of the same place. She has accommodation for ten saloon passengers, and second class passenger berths are provided between decks.
Yesterday a party of gentlemen assembled on board the Orchis, at the invitation of the owners, and sat down to a substantial luncheon. The chair was occupied by Mr. Hargrove; and after ample justice had been done to the good things provided, and the health of her Majesty duly honoured, Mr. Worthington proposed "Success to the Orchis," a toast to which the chairman responded. -- Mr. Fergusson next gave "Success to the Bombay Trade," and in doing so expressed a hope that the opening of the Suez Canal would increase our hitherto imperfect knowledge of our eastern possessions. We all know how much Bombay did for us during the American war, and the immense quantity of cotton that port sent to us on a short notice, and so kept Lancashire supplied in that unfortunate period. He trusted that the basis of prosperity which was then laid would be widened and extended, and that we were only at the beginning of a vast and great trade between this country and Bombay.--The toast having been honoured, Mr. Price responded.-- Several other toasts, including those of "The Engineering Interests of the Country" (responded to by Messrs. Bower and Wylie), "The Co-owners of the Orchis." and "Captain Crawford, the Commander of the Vessel," were also honoured, and the company then separated.
A NEW STEAMER FOR BOMBAY via THE SUEZ CANAL --
Among the new steamers called into existence by the opening of the Suez Canal, Messrs. Hargrove, Fergusson, and Jackson, of Chapel-street, in this town, have just placed on the berth a new Clyde-built iron screw-steamer, the Orchis. This vessel, which is at present lying in the Bramley-Moore Dock and is intended to sail on the 1st of next month, is a fine specimen of naval architecture. She is 1,138 tons register, 200 horse-power nominal, and is registered in the highest class at Lloyd's, the Liverpool Underwriter's, and in Veritas. Her length is 280 feet 5 inches; her breadth of beam 33 feet 8 inches, and her depth of hold 24 feet 9 inches. She was built by Mr. J. G. Laurie, of Glasgow; her engines being supplied by Messrs. James Howden, and Co., of the same place. She has accommodation for ten saloon passengers, and second class passenger berths are provided between decks.
Yesterday a party of gentlemen assembled on board the Orchis, at the invitation of the owners, and sat down to a substantial luncheon. The chair was occupied by Mr. Hargrove; and after ample justice had been done to the good things provided, and the health of her Majesty duly honoured, Mr. Worthington proposed "Success to the Orchis," a toast to which the chairman responded. -- Mr. Fergusson next gave "Success to the Bombay Trade," and in doing so expressed a hope that the opening of the Suez Canal would increase our hitherto imperfect knowledge of our eastern possessions. We all know how much Bombay did for us during the American war, and the immense quantity of cotton that port sent to us on a short notice, and so kept Lancashire supplied in that unfortunate period. He trusted that the basis of prosperity which was then laid would be widened and extended, and that we were only at the beginning of a vast and great trade between this country and Bombay.--The toast having been honoured, Mr. Price responded.-- Several other toasts, including those of "The Engineering Interests of the Country" (responded to by Messrs. Bower and Wylie), "The Co-owners of the Orchis." and "Captain Crawford, the Commander of the Vessel," were also honoured, and the company then separated.
Shields Daily Gazette - Tuesday 07 February 1871
The new screw-steamer Orchis, outward bound from Liverpool to Bombay, via the Suez Canal, was in Collision with the National Company's steamer Denmark Saturday, but, as it was believed she sustained no damage, she was allowed to proceed to sea. When, however, she was about twenty miles off Holyhead, the vessel commenced making water very badly, and Captain Crawford put back at once for the Mersey and the vessel beached near Tranmere with upwards of four feet of water in her fore compartment.
The new screw-steamer Orchis, outward bound from Liverpool to Bombay, via the Suez Canal, was in Collision with the National Company's steamer Denmark Saturday, but, as it was believed she sustained no damage, she was allowed to proceed to sea. When, however, she was about twenty miles off Holyhead, the vessel commenced making water very badly, and Captain Crawford put back at once for the Mersey and the vessel beached near Tranmere with upwards of four feet of water in her fore compartment.
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 08 February 1871
THE STEAMER ORCHIS - TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY POST
—Referring to the statement in your paper to-day respecting the Orchis, which conveys the impression that the Denmark was lying in her berth in the Wellington and that the Orchis, in moving out on Saturday night, ran into her, I beg to say that this statement should be reversed, the fact being that the Orchis was lying still in the lock, between the Bramley-Moore Dock and the Wellington Basin, when the Denmark, in coming from the river to her berth, steamed right into the bow of the Orchis, doing her considerable injury.— Yours, MATTHEW CRAWFORD Feb. 7, 1871. Master of the Orchis.
THE STEAMER ORCHIS - TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY POST
—Referring to the statement in your paper to-day respecting the Orchis, which conveys the impression that the Denmark was lying in her berth in the Wellington and that the Orchis, in moving out on Saturday night, ran into her, I beg to say that this statement should be reversed, the fact being that the Orchis was lying still in the lock, between the Bramley-Moore Dock and the Wellington Basin, when the Denmark, in coming from the river to her berth, steamed right into the bow of the Orchis, doing her considerable injury.— Yours, MATTHEW CRAWFORD Feb. 7, 1871. Master of the Orchis.
Liverpool Mail - Saturday 11 February 1871
DAMAGE TO A NEW BOMBAY STEAMER. Messrs. Hargrove, Ferguson, and Jackson, of this town, have just started a new line of steamers between this port and Bombay, via the Suez Canal. The pioneer vessel of the line, named the Orchis, an iron steamer, of about 1700 tons register, with engines of 200-horse power, arrived in the Mersey from Whiteinch, Glasgow, about the middle of January, in charge of Captain Matthew Crawford, and was appointed to sail on Saturday last. That day, it was alleged, the Orchis was in collision with the screw steamer Denmark, in the Bramley- Moore Dock, and that she subsequently came violently in contact with the dock wall, but afterwards went out of dock and put to sea. When about 20 miles from Holyhead a leak was discovered, and, in consequence of the water gaining upon the steamer, notwithstanding the use of the pumps, the vessel put back, and was yesterday beached at Tranmere, with 4 feet of water in her fore compartment. She has since been placed in the Morpeth Dock.
Times of India - Friday 23 May 1873
S.S. ORCHIS
British steamship Orchis, 1158 tons, Commander B.C. Lucus sailed yesterday for Liverpool via the Suez Canal with a cargo of 1412 bales of cotton, 246 3/4 cwts coir yarn, 750 cwts linseed, 1,278 cwts, wheat, 1294 cwts gall, 273 3/4 cwts dates, and sundries,
S.S. ORCHIS
British steamship Orchis, 1158 tons, Commander B.C. Lucus sailed yesterday for Liverpool via the Suez Canal with a cargo of 1412 bales of cotton, 246 3/4 cwts coir yarn, 750 cwts linseed, 1,278 cwts, wheat, 1294 cwts gall, 273 3/4 cwts dates, and sundries,
S.S. Orchis
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S.S. Orchis in Holland
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1897
Shields Daily Gazette - Monday 11 January 1897
BLACK SEA TRADE. ACCIDENT ON A TYNE STEAMER.
Constantinople Jan. 5.
It has now transpired that the boat run into at Smyrna, by the s.s. Orchis, as reported yesterday, was French, with about 17 men on board. She belonged to the French Admiral ship Devastation. According to telegraphic advices received to-day, five sailors were drowned.
BLACK SEA TRADE. ACCIDENT ON A TYNE STEAMER.
Constantinople Jan. 5.
It has now transpired that the boat run into at Smyrna, by the s.s. Orchis, as reported yesterday, was French, with about 17 men on board. She belonged to the French Admiral ship Devastation. According to telegraphic advices received to-day, five sailors were drowned.
Edinburgh Evening News - Friday 29 January 1897
TRIAL OF A BRITISH CAPTAIN A Reuters telegram, dated Constantinople, Thursday, says: The hearing of the case against Captain King, of the British steamer Orchis, was resumed to-day in the Supreme Consular Court, before Judge Tarring and jury. Captain King was charged with not having stopped his vessel to render assistance to the crew of the Admiral's barge belonging the French warship Devastation, after the barge had been run into by the Orchis in the Gulf of Smyrna. Four men were drowned consequence the accident. The jury returned verdict of not guilty, and Captain King was acquitted.
TRIAL OF A BRITISH CAPTAIN A Reuters telegram, dated Constantinople, Thursday, says: The hearing of the case against Captain King, of the British steamer Orchis, was resumed to-day in the Supreme Consular Court, before Judge Tarring and jury. Captain King was charged with not having stopped his vessel to render assistance to the crew of the Admiral's barge belonging the French warship Devastation, after the barge had been run into by the Orchis in the Gulf of Smyrna. Four men were drowned consequence the accident. The jury returned verdict of not guilty, and Captain King was acquitted.
S.S. Birka
Belfast News-Letter - Saturday 08 February 1913
SHIPPING NOTES
The iron screw steamer Orchis, 1,765 gross and 1,138 tons net register, built Glasgow in 1870, and owned by Messrs. Wescott & Laurence Ltd London, has been sold to Thomas Pinkney & Sons, Sunderland (for Swedish buyers), for £5,300.
Western Mail - Friday 31 December 1915
SWANSEA - Arrivals
KINGS DOCK - Dec 30 (am)
Birka s. 718 Rouen, light.
SHIPPING NOTES
The iron screw steamer Orchis, 1,765 gross and 1,138 tons net register, built Glasgow in 1870, and owned by Messrs. Wescott & Laurence Ltd London, has been sold to Thomas Pinkney & Sons, Sunderland (for Swedish buyers), for £5,300.
Western Mail - Friday 31 December 1915
SWANSEA - Arrivals
KINGS DOCK - Dec 30 (am)
Birka s. 718 Rouen, light.
Lloyd’s Register of Shipping 1915 Steamers
The Loss
The S.S. Birka left Swansea on the 5th of January, with a cargo of 2219 tons of coal, bound for Gothenburg, Sweden .
At about 4 p.m. on the 10th the S.S. Birka was seen ''midway between Noup Head and Bow Skerries, Westray, steering N.E., steaming very slowly and at that time it was thought to be too near the land. There was a very heavy sea running. About 5.30 p.m. the same day one white and one blue rocket were seen being sent up from a ship ‑the Birka ‑ on the Bow Skerries. The wind was northerly almost a hurricane ‑ and a very heavy sea was running." ( Superintendent of Police for Orkney, Robert Wood, to Duncan J Robertson, the Swedish Vice Consul at Kirkwall )
A search by locals found no survivors but a large quantity of wreckage was washing ashore. In the daylight nothing but the bow of the wreck was visible on The Bow. .
At about 4 p.m. on the 10th the S.S. Birka was seen ''midway between Noup Head and Bow Skerries, Westray, steering N.E., steaming very slowly and at that time it was thought to be too near the land. There was a very heavy sea running. About 5.30 p.m. the same day one white and one blue rocket were seen being sent up from a ship ‑the Birka ‑ on the Bow Skerries. The wind was northerly almost a hurricane ‑ and a very heavy sea was running." ( Superintendent of Police for Orkney, Robert Wood, to Duncan J Robertson, the Swedish Vice Consul at Kirkwall )
A search by locals found no survivors but a large quantity of wreckage was washing ashore. In the daylight nothing but the bow of the wreck was visible on The Bow. .
Staffordshire Sentinel - Wednesday 12 January 1916
BODIES WASHED ASHORE FROM WRECK. Lloyd's agent at Westray (Orkneys) telegraphs under yesterday's date that the Swedish steamer Birka, Swansea for Gothenburg, is ashore on Bow Rock, about six miles east from Noup Head Light. Five bodies have been washed ashore. One is that of a woman. Wreckage is coming ashore.
BODIES WASHED ASHORE FROM WRECK. Lloyd's agent at Westray (Orkneys) telegraphs under yesterday's date that the Swedish steamer Birka, Swansea for Gothenburg, is ashore on Bow Rock, about six miles east from Noup Head Light. Five bodies have been washed ashore. One is that of a woman. Wreckage is coming ashore.
The Scotsman - Thursday 13 January 1916
SHIPPING NOTES AND CASUALTIES . SWEDISH STEAMER WRECKED FIVE BODIES WASHED ASHORE AT ORKNEY.
The vessel reported to have been wrecked in the Orkneys is the steamer Birka, of Stockholm . Five-bodies have been washed ashore, including that of the master. From the ship's papers found on the captain, it appears that the Birka was on a voyage from Swansea to Gothenburg. The ship is off Bow Head, Westray Island, and at high water is completely submerged . (The Birka was vessel of 1790 tons gross , and was built on the Clyde in 1870)
SHIPPING NOTES AND CASUALTIES . SWEDISH STEAMER WRECKED FIVE BODIES WASHED ASHORE AT ORKNEY.
The vessel reported to have been wrecked in the Orkneys is the steamer Birka, of Stockholm . Five-bodies have been washed ashore, including that of the master. From the ship's papers found on the captain, it appears that the Birka was on a voyage from Swansea to Gothenburg. The ship is off Bow Head, Westray Island, and at high water is completely submerged . (The Birka was vessel of 1790 tons gross , and was built on the Clyde in 1870)
Western Mail - Thursday 13 January 1916
BODIES WASHED ASHORE WRECK OF A SHIP THAT LEFT SWANSEA. Lloyd's agent at Westray telegraphs that the Swedish steamer Birka, Swansea for Gothenburg, is ashore on the Bow Rock. about six miles east from Noup Head Light Five bodies were washed ashore; one is that of a woman. The wreckage is coming ashore on Papa Westray. [ The Birka which left Swansea on January 5, carried a crew (of Swedes and other foreigners) of twenty hands, including a lady steward. She was of 1,790 tons, and was registered at Stockholm ].
BODIES WASHED ASHORE WRECK OF A SHIP THAT LEFT SWANSEA. Lloyd's agent at Westray telegraphs that the Swedish steamer Birka, Swansea for Gothenburg, is ashore on the Bow Rock. about six miles east from Noup Head Light Five bodies were washed ashore; one is that of a woman. The wreckage is coming ashore on Papa Westray. [ The Birka which left Swansea on January 5, carried a crew (of Swedes and other foreigners) of twenty hands, including a lady steward. She was of 1,790 tons, and was registered at Stockholm ].
The Scotsman - Friday 14 January 1916
THE WRECK OF A SWEDISH STEAMER .
Further details are to hand in regard to the wreck of the Swedish steamer Birka on the island of Westray on Monday night . There was a tremendous sea running at the time, and the vessel, as soon as she struck, was dashed to pieces . All the crew have been lost . In addition to the five bodies previously reported recovered, two others have now been washed ashore in the Rapness district of Westray.
THE WRECK OF A SWEDISH STEAMER .
Further details are to hand in regard to the wreck of the Swedish steamer Birka on the island of Westray on Monday night . There was a tremendous sea running at the time, and the vessel, as soon as she struck, was dashed to pieces . All the crew have been lost . In addition to the five bodies previously reported recovered, two others have now been washed ashore in the Rapness district of Westray.
Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands - Wednesday 19 January 1916
WRECK AT PAPA WESTRAY-ALL HANDS LOST.
On Monday the 10th inst., the steamer Birka, of Stockholm, was wrecked at Bow Head, Papa Westray, and sunk. There was a tremendous sea running at the time she struck, and she sank almost immediately. Five bodies have come ashore on the holm of Aikerness and four in Papa Westray. One of the bodies is that of the captain. Two bodies have also come ashore at Rapness, both wearing lifebelts. They are supposed to belong to another vessel than the Birka which has been lost near Westray.
WRECK AT PAPA WESTRAY-ALL HANDS LOST.
On Monday the 10th inst., the steamer Birka, of Stockholm, was wrecked at Bow Head, Papa Westray, and sunk. There was a tremendous sea running at the time she struck, and she sank almost immediately. Five bodies have come ashore on the holm of Aikerness and four in Papa Westray. One of the bodies is that of the captain. Two bodies have also come ashore at Rapness, both wearing lifebelts. They are supposed to belong to another vessel than the Birka which has been lost near Westray.
Orkney Islands - northern sheet - 1915 (UKHO)
A look at the Statutory registers - Deaths 1916 shows that, over the next few days, twelve bodies washed ashore, Seven on Westray and five on Papa Westray.
NOTE: It is possible the two bodies found ashore at Rapness as mentioned in The Orkney Herald 19/12/1916 may in fact be from the S.S. Active lost 2 weeks previous.
NOTE: It is possible the two bodies found ashore at Rapness as mentioned in The Orkney Herald 19/12/1916 may in fact be from the S.S. Active lost 2 weeks previous.
Papa Westray
Of the bodies on Papa Westray, one was the captain, Carl Bennett, and one was the only female on board, Betty Raag.
Captain Bennett, Betty Raag, the second mate & two unidentified sailors are buried at St. Boniface Kirk on Papa Westray.
Captain Bennett, Betty Raag, the second mate & two unidentified sailors are buried at St. Boniface Kirk on Papa Westray.
In the St Boniface kirkyard there are two white wooden white crosses. Both these are made from wood from the deck of the S.S. Birka. One marks the grave of Betty Raag and the three crewmen who washed ashore on Papa Westray and the other is the grave of Captain Carl Bennett. Capt Bennett's original cross just had his initials carved into it.
The church and graveyard of St Boniface. Photo: Barefoot Backpacker
The grave of Betty Raag and three seamen with Capt. Bennett's grave behind.
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Photos: Peter Berrie, @GenealogyCafe
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Capt. Bennett's cross Cross for Capt. Bennett.
Photo: Jocelyn Rendall Photos: Jonathan Ford - Papay Ranger
Photo: Jocelyn Rendall Photos: Jonathan Ford - Papay Ranger
March 2025
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In March 2025 the Papa Westray Ranger, Jonathan Ford, sent photos showing the crosses having been repainted.
Westray
The Orkney Herald (see above) mentions that two of the bodies found at Rapness, Westray could '' belong to another vessel than the Birka which has been lost near Westray''.
These two men are listed in the Westray Statutory registers of Deaths as ''probably from SS Birka''.
It is possible, if not crew of the Birka, that these two unidentified bodies could be from the S.S. Active.
All Seven bodies recovered on Westray are buried in Lady Kirk Pierowall. There is no memorial maker for these seven men.
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Lady Kirk, Pierowall, Westray. Photos: Linda Booth
The Wreck
The wreck of S.S. Birka has no UKHO Wreck Card.
A survey using a magnetometer and side scan sonar was conducted around The Bow. A very large magnetic anomaly was detected on the north west side of the Skerry and the side scan contact shows a very broken down wreck in position 59°21.857'N, 2°57.129'W
Magnetic contour map overlayed on chart and side scan track.
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Side scan image of wreck.
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Magnetometer and side scan survey of The Bow. Images SULA Diving/C. Johnson
