MAGNETA H1447

 Accidents and Incidents

The Times, Wednesday, Jun 22, 1892; pg. 6; Issue 33671; col F
    

    

HUMANITY REWARDED.― The Board of Trade have awarded their silver medal for humanity in saving life at sea to John Brooke, skipper of the steam trawler Magneta, of Hull, in recognition of his kindness and humanity in rescuing the shipwrecked crew of the schooner Jane and Alice, of Carnarvon, which was abandoned in the St. George's Channel on the 19th of February last.  The Board have also awarded their silver medal for gallantry in saving life at sea and a sum of £2 to Caleb Ballard, the second hand of the Magneta, who was in command of the boat which rescued the shipwrecked men, and bronze medals and a sum of £2 each to Henry Timms, third hand, and William Tottle, deckhand, who accompanied him in the boat.

 

[ Note: £2 in 1892 would be the equivalent of approximately £145 today. ]

 

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From the Haverfordwest & Milford Haven Telegraph of Wednesday 7th September 1892:

 

REWARD FOR BRAVERY AT MILFORD HAVEN

    The silver of the Board of Trade for gallantry in saving life at sea, and two pounds in money, was presented to Mr. Caleb Ballard, late second hand of the steam trawler, "Magneta", of Hull, in the fish market at Milford Haven on Tuesday last, in the presence of a large gathering of skippers, fishermen and others.

    Dr Griffiths, J.P., C.C., who made the presentation on behalf of the Board of Trade, in an interesting address referred to the circumstances attending the rescue as follows:― On the 19th of February last the schooner, "Jane and Alice", of Carnarvon, was on a voyage from London to Stranraer, and when about 20 miles from Saltees Island, was caught in a terrific gale from the eastward, accompanied by blinding snow squalls and frightful seas, which completely overwhelmed the vessel, smashing the boat, flooding the cabin, sweeping the decks, &c.  For nearly two days, the crew, consisting of five hands, stuck to the pumps, and kept the vessel afloat until quite worn-out for the want of food and rest, they had abandoned hope, when the steam trawler, "Magneta", hove in sight, and in answer of distress bore down on the schooner, and with great difficulty and danger owing to the terrific sea running at the time got the boat out, and Caleb Ballard, Henry Timms, and William Tottle volunteered to go in her and attempt the rescue, and they succeeded in bringing the whole of the crew safely on board the "Magneta", where they were treated with utmost kindness by Skipper Brooks and his crew.  Dr. Griffith then handed the medal and money to Mr Ballard, prefaced by some appropriate remarks, and amidst enthusiastic cheering.

    ....

    Similar rewards have been presented to Skipper Brooks, Timms, and Tottle at Hull.

 

 

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