Close up off the stern of the Minnehaha (1900) aground off Scilly Rock.

A close up view of the stern of the passenger/cargo ship Minnehaha (1900) aground off Scilly Rock, taken from a boat off the starboard stern. A very small part of the stern of the salvage steamer Ranger (1880) and part of the port bow of the tug Victor (1898) can be seen along the port side of Minnehaha, partially obscured by its rudder. In the background is an unidentified merchant ship. It was known that a number of ships came to assist with discharging cargo, including the Red Rose and Pyrope.

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: G13976
Collection: Historic Photographs
Type: Glass plate negative
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Gibson & Sons of Scilly
Vessels: Minnehaha (1900); Ranger (1880) Victor (1898)
Date made: Late April 1910
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Gibson's of Scilly Shipwreck Collection
Measurements: Overall: 254 mm x 304 mm