The fishing boat SC41 with a rowing boat close to the beach of Samson Island with salvaged cattle from the passenger/cargo liner Minnehaha (1900).

A view of the Isles of Scilly-registered auxiliary fishing lugger SC41 and a small rowing boat landing salvaged cattle from the grounded passenger/cargo liner Minnehaha (1900). The photographer was standing on the beach at Samson Island where the cattle were offloaded. Most of the cattle had been rescued by Wednesday 20 April. The rowing boat had been towed by SC41 - see P50847.

The Minnehaha ran aground on 18 April 1910 in fog on passage from New York to Tilbury. The 66 passengers, all First Class, and 171 crew were rescued and landed on Byrher, and about 200 of the 243 steers (castrated young bulls) were landed on Samson Island. The mixed cargo from Holds 2 and 3 were jettisoned, including crated new motor cars, grand pianos, machinery, sewing machines, carpets and other cargo going over the side to lighten the ship. Between 20 April and 11 May the ship was prepared for refloating (using compressed air to float it), and eventually came off the ledge. Minnehaha then proceeded under its own power to Crow Sound before continuing under escort to Falmouth.

Object Details

ID: P50848
Collection: Historic Photographs
Type: Glass plate negative
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Gibson & Sons of Scilly
Date made: 18-circa 20 April 1910
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Gibson's of Scilly Shipwreck Collection