The general cargo steamer Tripolitania (1897) aground on Loe Bar in a gale.

A starboard bow view of the Italian steel general cargo steamer Tripolitania (1897) broadside onto the beach at Loe Bar, one mile east of Porthleven. The tide is out enough that the hull is exposed on the landward side. However, large waves are breaking against the port side sending spray high into the air over the ship's bridge and forecastle. Waves are also breaking against the port bow. The photographer was standing on the beach looking seaward. This is a closer view of the ship to G14125.

A glass copy negative from an original print.

The Tripolitania was on passage from Genoa to Barry in ballast when it was hit by a gale and heavy weather, which drove it ashore onto the Loe Bar. The 27 crew and captain were rescued except for one who drowned. Despite attempts to refloat her by removing the shingle from the seaward side of the hull, successive storms pushed the ship further up the beach and eventually it was condemned as a wreck and broken up in situ.

Object Details

ID: G14126
Collection: Historic Photographs
Type: Glass plate negative
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Gibson & Sons of Scilly
Vessels: Tripolitania (1897)
Date made: 26 December 1912
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Gibson's of Scilly Shipwreck Collection
Measurements: Overall: 254 mm x 304 mm
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