HMT Tom Tit
HMT Tom Tit. (Adty No 313 ) 26/12/1914
Displacement: 169 grt.
Length: 34.0 m. Beam: 6.m. 3.5 m Draught:
Propulsion: 1 x 3 cyl. triple expansion engine, single shaft, 1 screw
Machinery by: C. D. Holmes and Co. Ltd., Hull
Complement: .
Men Lost: 0
Armament:
Displacement: 169 grt.
Length: 34.0 m. Beam: 6.m. 3.5 m Draught:
Propulsion: 1 x 3 cyl. triple expansion engine, single shaft, 1 screw
Machinery by: C. D. Holmes and Co. Ltd., Hull
Complement: .
Men Lost: 0
Armament:
The steel steam trawler Tom Tim was launched on 6th February 1904 by the Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Co. Ltd., Goole for Kelsall Brothers & Beeching Ltd., Hull with the registration H 35.
History
Hull Daily News - Monday 08 February 1904
SHIPBUILDING AT GOOLE The Goole Shipbuilding Company are busy carrying out some extensive repairs to vessels and have launched a steel fleeter for Kelsall Brothers and Limited This is the twelfth they have built for this firm and they have another on the stocks for same owners
SHIPBUILDING AT GOOLE The Goole Shipbuilding Company are busy carrying out some extensive repairs to vessels and have launched a steel fleeter for Kelsall Brothers and Limited This is the twelfth they have built for this firm and they have another on the stocks for same owners
Hull Daily Mail - Tuesday 16 February 1904
TOWN DOCKS REPORTS.
From 12 a.m. on the 15th to 12 a.m. on the 16th.
ARRIVALS.--
Tom-tit (trawler), Goole;
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 23 February 1910
TRAWLER TOM-TIT TELLS OF ABANDONING SHIP CLAVERDON
In Storm in North Sea. The trawler Tom-Tit, on arrival at Hull this morning, reported that she had had tow the Glasgow ship Claverdon, but had been forced to abandon her with her owing to the gale when about 100 miles off Spurn Head. The Claverdon was being towed from Hamburg to Hull when the hawser broke and fouled the tug's propeller. By the time the propeller had been cleared the tug bad lost the ship, which drifted helplessly away in the storm. The trawler afterwards picked her up, but had to abandon her. Three tugs which set out m search of the Claverdon returned to port to-day through stress of weather, having failed in the search. Captain Thomson, of the Claverdon, is a native of Montrose _____
TOWN DOCKS REPORTS.
From 12 a.m. on the 15th to 12 a.m. on the 16th.
ARRIVALS.--
Tom-tit (trawler), Goole;
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 23 February 1910
TRAWLER TOM-TIT TELLS OF ABANDONING SHIP CLAVERDON
In Storm in North Sea. The trawler Tom-Tit, on arrival at Hull this morning, reported that she had had tow the Glasgow ship Claverdon, but had been forced to abandon her with her owing to the gale when about 100 miles off Spurn Head. The Claverdon was being towed from Hamburg to Hull when the hawser broke and fouled the tug's propeller. By the time the propeller had been cleared the tug bad lost the ship, which drifted helplessly away in the storm. The trawler afterwards picked her up, but had to abandon her. Three tugs which set out m search of the Claverdon returned to port to-day through stress of weather, having failed in the search. Captain Thomson, of the Claverdon, is a native of Montrose _____
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Thursday 24 February 1910
The captain of the trawler Tom Tit, on arriving Hull yesterday, stated that bad towed the Glasgow steamer Claverdon for some hundred miles, and when off Spurn Head the hawser broke, and the steamer drifted away. The trawler pursued her. but could not again get her in tow owing the gale.
The captain of the trawler Tom Tit, on arriving Hull yesterday, stated that bad towed the Glasgow steamer Claverdon for some hundred miles, and when off Spurn Head the hawser broke, and the steamer drifted away. The trawler pursued her. but could not again get her in tow owing the gale.
Morning Leader - Thursday 24 February 1910
WRECKS AND CASUALTIES.
Hull, 23 Feb.—Steam trawler TOM-TIT, of Hull, reports having had in tow ship CLAVERDON, from Saturday morning to Sunday midnight, when she broke away about 210 miles N.E. from Spurn.
WRECKS AND CASUALTIES.
Hull, 23 Feb.—Steam trawler TOM-TIT, of Hull, reports having had in tow ship CLAVERDON, from Saturday morning to Sunday midnight, when she broke away about 210 miles N.E. from Spurn.
Note: The SS CLAVERDON was found safe and towed to the Tyne
The Loss
The trawler Tom Tit was on hire to the Admiralty and ran aground on a rock called ''The Horseback'' while trying to navigate into Peterhead South Harbour in poor weather. All the crew of the trawler were saved by rocket line but unfortunately the Peterhead Lifeboat capsized and was wrecked with a loss of three of the brave crew.
Peterhead South Harbour. Chart 244 Peterhead 1953. UKHO
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Monday 28 December 1914
SEA DISASTER AT PETERHEAD.
THREE MEN DROWNED.
LIFEBOAT DASHED TO PIECES.
HULL TRAWLER'S PERIL
ILL-FATED ATTEMPT AT RESCUE.
A sea disaster, attended by terrible scenes, and claiming toll three lives, occurred at Peterhead Saturday forenoon. In attempting to make the entrance to the South Harbour in fierce south-easterly gale—exactly such as that which the Wistow Hall met her doom in the near vicinity some three years ago—the trawler Tom Tit, of Hull, was piled a dangerous rock known as " The Horseback." Though close to the safe haven which she had endeavoured to reach, the trawler was in extreme peril, and prompt measures were taken to effect a rescue the crew.
The local motor lifeboat was at once launched, but found that the elements were too strong for her. Then came the disaster. Within sight thousands spectators, who could render no aid, the lifeboat was washed by the breakers, the crew ten being driven overboard. Seven were got safely ashore, but three paid for their gallantry with-their lives. The work of the lifeboat was then taken up the Life-Saving Brigade, which brought off the crew the Tom Tit safely in the breeches buoy.
THE LOST AND SAVED.
The following are the names of the men who were lost:
Thomas Adams, 54 Roan heads, who leaves wife and family.
David Murray Strachan, 71 Roanheads, who leaves wife and four family.
James Geddes, jun., 37 unmarried.
Those who were saved are:
James Cameron (coxswain), 59 Roanheads.
John Strachan, 39 North Street.
Robert Sleesor, jun., 29 Roanheads.
John Davidson, engineer, 7 Threadneedle Street.
William Buchan, 31 Roanheads.
Peter Geddes, Seagate.
Andrew M'Lean, 66 Roanheads.
William Cameron, James Street.
Charles Cameron, James Street.
inquiries being made last night, was learned that all the men were progressing favourably with the exception of Charles Cameron, who has been . rather badly hurt about the head.
THRILLING SCENES. LIFEBOAT HELPLESS IN TOSSING SEAS.
Peterhead has from time to time witnessed many distressing scenes, but one has to go far back the memory of the inhabitants find a parallel the tragedy which occurred on Saturday forenoon, when, three brave fishermen lost their lives. southerly gale was blowing, and huge waves were rolling across the entrance of the south harbour. Shortly before o'clock the Hull trawler Tom Tit, at present in
Government reserve, was to be making for the harbour, and while negotiating the entrance she was struck on the broadside by heavy sea and dashed to dangerous rock I known locally "The Horseback," and remained fast. The mishap took only bout 100 yards from the shore, and it was evident that, barring' unforeseen circumstances, the crew could have been taken safely ashore the life-saving apparatus. Every precaution was taken, however, and the motor lifeboat, Alexander Tulloch, under Coxswain James Cameron, was launched, while the crew of the Life-Saving Brigade took favourable position on land exactly opposite the stranded vessel.
LIFEBOAT OVERWHELMED.
The lifeboat had proceeded out of the harbour, ostensibly for the purpose of taking up its position southwards the Tom Tit to be ready for any emergencies The first rocket fired the life-saving brigade found its mark, and communication was at once estab-1 with the trawler. The first man was about to be pulled ashore the breeches buoy when the cry went out that the lifeboat was difficulties. Twice the boat was dashed to the very slipway from which it was launched, end rush was made for the South Embankment the spectators, who were just in time to see the helpless craft battered to pieces among the rocks near the Corporation Baths. A scene never to forgotten followed. "Women shrieked and men shouted as the crew were hurled out of the boat. Five them were swept up into the bay, and were observed from the shore throwing up their hands despairingly. With great difficulty a number of people reached the spot where the disaster had happened, and considerable risk their own lives succeeded rescuing several members of the crew.
DRAGGED FROM BOILING SURF.
John Strachan, who leaped onto the rocks immediately after the disaster occurred, was first brought ashore. Robert Slessor, Andrew Geddes, and the motor engineer were dragged from the boiling surf, and the young lad, James Cameron, jun., was rescued in an injured condition, having got entangled in the boat. A man, supposed, to be David Strachan, washed into deep pool known as Roggie's Hole," and Lieutenant Wells, naval man, jumped into the water and several times grasped the body, but it was carried away by the heavy backwash. Strachan was floating with his head downwards, and probably had been rendered unconscious coming into contact with the rocks when the boat struck. Meantime many helpers had hurried the south end of the Smith Embankment, to which the drowning men were being carried by the waves. Charles Cameron, coxswain of lifeboat, was seen floating on his back and grasping an oar, and the rescuing party picking him up and conveying him with all haste to his house in Kirk Street. Another member the crew was washed ashore with a lifebelt on, and was carried to a house in Charlotte Street. James Geddes, jun., powerful young fisherman, was next pulled from the raging waves. His body was also encased in a lifebelt, but he was quite unconscious. Gillespie and Smith did everything restore animation by artificial respiration, but it was beyond their power. The body was taken to a relative's house in Merchant Street, close to the spot where the tragedy occurred.
A FATHER'S GRIEF.
The poor fellow died under the eyes relatives, and his father broke down when knew his gallant son was beyond human aid. By this time it was found that all the crew of ten had been accounted for, except David Strachan and Thomas Adams, both residing Roanheads. Three brave Peterhead fishermen have thus sacrificed their lives to save others, and quite gloom has been cast over the fishing community by the unexpected and sudden calamity. The men drowned were in the prime of life, being all about 30 years of age, Strachan and Adams were married, and leave wives and families; while James Geddes, jun., resided in with has father, James Geddes, skipper the local tugboat Flying Scud. Geddes was descended from a seafaring family, and a pathetic circumstances is that one of his brothers was drowned about year ago from the steamer Inveresk. Saturday afternoon the wind veered to the west, and the gale subsided. A strict outlook was kept the south shore, and the body of Thomas Adams was washed ashore, and conveyed to his house in Roanheads. The crew the Tom Tit were all safely landed in the breeches buoy.
GALLANT EFFORTS.
Prior the Life-Saving Brigade getting into communication with the vessel, James; Granchan made a gallant, attempt to swim from the shore with a line tied round his waist, but the heavy seas were too much for him. and he had to be pulled back. A similar effort was made by Lieut. Currie, who also tried to get line to the vessel. For about 10 minutes battled with the waves. Communication established ultimately, but, unfortunately, the line broke, and the Lieut. was carried onto a rock by an incoming wave. The Tom Tit is still on the rocks, and the vessel has explosives on boards, attempts refloating may be attended with danger. The motor lifeboat has been completely smashed. It was a comparatively new boat, having been built two years ago at cost of £3OOO. She was one of the best types of lifeboat in Scotland.
SEA DISASTER AT PETERHEAD.
THREE MEN DROWNED.
LIFEBOAT DASHED TO PIECES.
HULL TRAWLER'S PERIL
ILL-FATED ATTEMPT AT RESCUE.
A sea disaster, attended by terrible scenes, and claiming toll three lives, occurred at Peterhead Saturday forenoon. In attempting to make the entrance to the South Harbour in fierce south-easterly gale—exactly such as that which the Wistow Hall met her doom in the near vicinity some three years ago—the trawler Tom Tit, of Hull, was piled a dangerous rock known as " The Horseback." Though close to the safe haven which she had endeavoured to reach, the trawler was in extreme peril, and prompt measures were taken to effect a rescue the crew.
The local motor lifeboat was at once launched, but found that the elements were too strong for her. Then came the disaster. Within sight thousands spectators, who could render no aid, the lifeboat was washed by the breakers, the crew ten being driven overboard. Seven were got safely ashore, but three paid for their gallantry with-their lives. The work of the lifeboat was then taken up the Life-Saving Brigade, which brought off the crew the Tom Tit safely in the breeches buoy.
THE LOST AND SAVED.
The following are the names of the men who were lost:
Thomas Adams, 54 Roan heads, who leaves wife and family.
David Murray Strachan, 71 Roanheads, who leaves wife and four family.
James Geddes, jun., 37 unmarried.
Those who were saved are:
James Cameron (coxswain), 59 Roanheads.
John Strachan, 39 North Street.
Robert Sleesor, jun., 29 Roanheads.
John Davidson, engineer, 7 Threadneedle Street.
William Buchan, 31 Roanheads.
Peter Geddes, Seagate.
Andrew M'Lean, 66 Roanheads.
William Cameron, James Street.
Charles Cameron, James Street.
inquiries being made last night, was learned that all the men were progressing favourably with the exception of Charles Cameron, who has been . rather badly hurt about the head.
THRILLING SCENES. LIFEBOAT HELPLESS IN TOSSING SEAS.
Peterhead has from time to time witnessed many distressing scenes, but one has to go far back the memory of the inhabitants find a parallel the tragedy which occurred on Saturday forenoon, when, three brave fishermen lost their lives. southerly gale was blowing, and huge waves were rolling across the entrance of the south harbour. Shortly before o'clock the Hull trawler Tom Tit, at present in
Government reserve, was to be making for the harbour, and while negotiating the entrance she was struck on the broadside by heavy sea and dashed to dangerous rock I known locally "The Horseback," and remained fast. The mishap took only bout 100 yards from the shore, and it was evident that, barring' unforeseen circumstances, the crew could have been taken safely ashore the life-saving apparatus. Every precaution was taken, however, and the motor lifeboat, Alexander Tulloch, under Coxswain James Cameron, was launched, while the crew of the Life-Saving Brigade took favourable position on land exactly opposite the stranded vessel.
LIFEBOAT OVERWHELMED.
The lifeboat had proceeded out of the harbour, ostensibly for the purpose of taking up its position southwards the Tom Tit to be ready for any emergencies The first rocket fired the life-saving brigade found its mark, and communication was at once estab-1 with the trawler. The first man was about to be pulled ashore the breeches buoy when the cry went out that the lifeboat was difficulties. Twice the boat was dashed to the very slipway from which it was launched, end rush was made for the South Embankment the spectators, who were just in time to see the helpless craft battered to pieces among the rocks near the Corporation Baths. A scene never to forgotten followed. "Women shrieked and men shouted as the crew were hurled out of the boat. Five them were swept up into the bay, and were observed from the shore throwing up their hands despairingly. With great difficulty a number of people reached the spot where the disaster had happened, and considerable risk their own lives succeeded rescuing several members of the crew.
DRAGGED FROM BOILING SURF.
John Strachan, who leaped onto the rocks immediately after the disaster occurred, was first brought ashore. Robert Slessor, Andrew Geddes, and the motor engineer were dragged from the boiling surf, and the young lad, James Cameron, jun., was rescued in an injured condition, having got entangled in the boat. A man, supposed, to be David Strachan, washed into deep pool known as Roggie's Hole," and Lieutenant Wells, naval man, jumped into the water and several times grasped the body, but it was carried away by the heavy backwash. Strachan was floating with his head downwards, and probably had been rendered unconscious coming into contact with the rocks when the boat struck. Meantime many helpers had hurried the south end of the Smith Embankment, to which the drowning men were being carried by the waves. Charles Cameron, coxswain of lifeboat, was seen floating on his back and grasping an oar, and the rescuing party picking him up and conveying him with all haste to his house in Kirk Street. Another member the crew was washed ashore with a lifebelt on, and was carried to a house in Charlotte Street. James Geddes, jun., powerful young fisherman, was next pulled from the raging waves. His body was also encased in a lifebelt, but he was quite unconscious. Gillespie and Smith did everything restore animation by artificial respiration, but it was beyond their power. The body was taken to a relative's house in Merchant Street, close to the spot where the tragedy occurred.
A FATHER'S GRIEF.
The poor fellow died under the eyes relatives, and his father broke down when knew his gallant son was beyond human aid. By this time it was found that all the crew of ten had been accounted for, except David Strachan and Thomas Adams, both residing Roanheads. Three brave Peterhead fishermen have thus sacrificed their lives to save others, and quite gloom has been cast over the fishing community by the unexpected and sudden calamity. The men drowned were in the prime of life, being all about 30 years of age, Strachan and Adams were married, and leave wives and families; while James Geddes, jun., resided in with has father, James Geddes, skipper the local tugboat Flying Scud. Geddes was descended from a seafaring family, and a pathetic circumstances is that one of his brothers was drowned about year ago from the steamer Inveresk. Saturday afternoon the wind veered to the west, and the gale subsided. A strict outlook was kept the south shore, and the body of Thomas Adams was washed ashore, and conveyed to his house in Roanheads. The crew the Tom Tit were all safely landed in the breeches buoy.
GALLANT EFFORTS.
Prior the Life-Saving Brigade getting into communication with the vessel, James; Granchan made a gallant, attempt to swim from the shore with a line tied round his waist, but the heavy seas were too much for him. and he had to be pulled back. A similar effort was made by Lieut. Currie, who also tried to get line to the vessel. For about 10 minutes battled with the waves. Communication established ultimately, but, unfortunately, the line broke, and the Lieut. was carried onto a rock by an incoming wave. The Tom Tit is still on the rocks, and the vessel has explosives on boards, attempts refloating may be attended with danger. The motor lifeboat has been completely smashed. It was a comparatively new boat, having been built two years ago at cost of £3OOO. She was one of the best types of lifeboat in Scotland.
Wreck of the Peterhead lifeboat Alexander Tulloch
Southern Reporter - Thursday 31 December 1914
News of the Week
Three of the crew of the Peterhead motor lifeboat lost their lives on Saturday forenoon in attempting to rescue the crew of the Government vessel Tor Tit, which was driven on to the rocks at the entrance to Peterhead South Harbour.
News of the Week
Three of the crew of the Peterhead motor lifeboat lost their lives on Saturday forenoon in attempting to rescue the crew of the Government vessel Tor Tit, which was driven on to the rocks at the entrance to Peterhead South Harbour.
Aberdeen Evening Express - Friday 01 January 1915
THE PETERHEAD DISASTER.
Hull Trawler a Total Wreck, The Hull trawler, Tom Tit, which went on to the rocks while making for the Peterhead South Harbour on Saturday last, has become a total wreck, Heavy seas were running in the bay on Wednesday night, and the vessel was in two. Yesterday she broke up, end the vicinity where she lay was strewn with wreckage. The body of David Strachan, one of the Lifeboatmen, who was drowned, has not yet been found.
THE PETERHEAD DISASTER.
Hull Trawler a Total Wreck, The Hull trawler, Tom Tit, which went on to the rocks while making for the Peterhead South Harbour on Saturday last, has become a total wreck, Heavy seas were running in the bay on Wednesday night, and the vessel was in two. Yesterday she broke up, end the vicinity where she lay was strewn with wreckage. The body of David Strachan, one of the Lifeboatmen, who was drowned, has not yet been found.
Aberdeen Evening Express - Tuesday 05 January 1915
During the past week heavy seas have been running in the bay, and the Hull trawler Tom Tit, which was stranded near the entrance to the south harbour has become a total wreck, and now scarcely vertigo the vessel remains intact. The local motor lifeboat has shared a similar fate.
During the past week heavy seas have been running in the bay, and the Hull trawler Tom Tit, which was stranded near the entrance to the south harbour has become a total wreck, and now scarcely vertigo the vessel remains intact. The local motor lifeboat has shared a similar fate.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Friday 08 January 1915
SALE OF WRECKED TRAWLER AT PETERHEAD.
The wreck the Hull trawler, Tom Tit, which stranded the rocks near the entrance of the Peterhead South Harbour, has been purchased Messrs Alexander Baird and John Bruce fishcurers.
SALE OF WRECKED TRAWLER AT PETERHEAD.
The wreck the Hull trawler, Tom Tit, which stranded the rocks near the entrance of the Peterhead South Harbour, has been purchased Messrs Alexander Baird and John Bruce fishcurers.
The Wreck
There is no UKHO Wreck Card for HMT Tom Tit.
