A close up view of the Scilly Isles-registered auxiliary fishing lugger SC41 just off the beach at Samson Island releasing two cattle rescued from the passenger/cargo liner Minnehaha (1900) aground on Scilly Rock. One man is persuading the steer with the handle end of the long boat hook, while two other men are about to cut the rope tied around the neck of the steer in the foreground. The photographer was on the beach looking out to sea where other boats can be seen close inshore in the background.

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.