The Cellardyke Echo – 26/3/2021 – Issue 279

FIFE COAST WRECK

TRAWLER ASHORE OFF MAY ISLE – CREW RESCUED BY ANSTRUTHER BOAT

A plucky rescue was effected early on Saturday morning the skipper and crew of the Anstruther motor fishing boat Winaway.

The Aberdeen trawler Ethel Crawford, owned by R. W. Lewis, went ashore on the North Ness, May Island, and was badly holed.

The crew of the damaged vessel drew attention to their plight by burning their bedding, and clever seamanship on the part of the Winaway’s crew resulted their rescue.

They lost all their belongings.

The crew of the Ethel Crawford were: —George Baxter, skipper; John Baxter, mate; Redvers Sim, second fisherman; John and Edward Taylor, deck hands; John Stephen, chief engineer; John Riddoch. second engineer; Jas. Fyfe and Jas. Stewart, firemen—all Aberdeen; and Andrew cook, Buckie.

 STRUCK A REEF.

The Ethel Crawford left Granton about halt-past one on Saturday morning for the  fishing grounds at the Shetlands. While endeavouring to keep clear of the Anstruther fishing fleet the vessel went too near the Isle of May, and struck a reef on the Nor’ Ness.

She was badly holed, and, realising the seriousness of their plight, the crew immediately sent up signals of distress by burning their bedding as flares.

The Winaway answered the signals, but was unable to come alongside the trawler owing to the heavy seas.

A line was thrown from the Anstruther boat to the Ethel Crawford, whose small boat was then launched and the crew transferred to the Winaway, three at time.

LOST EVERYTHING.

The crew were unable to rescue their clothes and lost everything. Great credit is due to the seamanship the skipper and crew of the Winaway, who left their nets and went immediately to rescue of the trawler’s crew.

The crew of the Ethel Crawford were landed at Anstruther and taken to Mr A. N Cunningham, who, in turn, brought them to Mr H. Watson, joint hon. secretary of the local branch of the Shipwrecked Fishermen’s and Mariners’ Society.

The crew were fed, and those who were in need of clothes were also provided for. Some of men had no boots. They were also given railway passes to take them to their homes in Aberdeen and Buckie.

MODEST SKIPPER.

In an interview with a “Courier and Advertiser” representative, Mr John Gourlay, 14 East Forth Street, Cellardyke, the skipper of the Winaway, was inclined to make light of the gallant part he and his men played in rescuing the stranded crew.

Modestly he remarked “We only did what any other boat would have done in the circumstances.” Skipper Gourlay said noticed the distress shortly before four o’clock.

“The first indication we got that anything was wrong,” said, “was when we saw huge flare.

“At first I thought it was a boat on fire, but I saw steam rising I assumed it must be the trawler which we had noticed previously. We were about three-quarters of a mile away, but within a short time were near enough to take off the crew.

DEEP IN WATER.

“The Ethel Crawford’s stern was deep in the deep water, and the crew had no time to rescue their belongings. Most of the crew were in their bunks; they had to come away in whatever they were wearing.

“One man had working suit and a good suit of clothes lying beside, him. In his haste he grabbed at one of the suits and happened to be the working suit.

“One man had an oilskin coat with him and another a cap, and many of them needed fresh clothing.” It is feared the Ethel Crawford has become a total loss.

BUCKIE MAN’S STORY OF WRECK

“Awakened by Grinding Shock”

Andrew Wilson, the cook of Ethel Crawford, interviewed the “Courier and Advertiser” at his home in Buckie, where arrived on Saturday night, described the wreck and the rescue.

“About one o’clock on Saturday morning the trawler left Granton for the fishing grounds,” he said, “and the crew went to bed. We were rudely awakened by a grinding shock which brought us on deck to find had run upon the tail of May Island.

“We were the weather side of the island, and heavy seas were breaking.”

Mr Wilson went on to relate how they burned flares of bedding and paraffin till they got an answer, half hour later.

The vessel was making water rapidly, the level in the engine-room rising to the fires.

“Three Anstruther herring boats were seen approaching. These boats had cut adrift from their herring nets and rushed the rescue.

“One boat, the Winaway, venturing as near as was safe, managed to cast a line aboard the trawler, which enabled a stout rope to be passed between the two vessels.

“One small boat was then launched, and were transferred three a time to the Winaway. We abandoned the trawler just as we stood,” concluded Wilson.

1931

FISHERY BOARD FOR SCOTLAND -CELLARDYKE MAN’S APPOINTMENT

Official announcement has been made of the membership of the reconstituted Fishery Board for Scotland consequent upon the death of the chairman, Mr D. T. Jones, and other changes.

The King has been pleased, on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for Scotland, to approve the appointment of Mr George Hogarth, secretary to the Fishery Board for Scotland, to be a member and chairman of the Board during His Majesty’s pleasure, in the place of Mr D. T. Jones, C.8.E.. F.R.S.E., deceased.

His Majesty has also approved the appointment of the following to be members of the Board for a period of five, years from January 21, 1931:

Mr William Lyon Mackenzie, K.C., Sheriff of Ayrshire (legal member and deputy chairman):

Mr D’Arcv Wentworth Thompson, C.8., M.A., D.Litt., F.R.S., Professor of Natural History, St Andrews University (scientific member);

Sir Malcolm Smith. K.B.E.. Leith;

Mr William W. Carstairs, Cellardyke, Fife;

Mr W. J. Merson (fishcurer.), Provost of Buckie; and

Mr George Slater, C.B.E. (fishcurer), Aberdeen.

The last three are new members. The New Chairman. Mr George Hogarth, who has been selected to succeed Mr Jones, is a native of Edinburgh, where he was born in 1879. He was dux of the Royal High School, and entered the Civil Service as a member of the staff of the Estate Duty Office in 1899. In 1912 he was transferred to the Fishery Board for Scotland with the appointment of chief clerk. Since 1920 he has acted as secretary to the Board, a position to which he was promoted when Mr Jones, the former secretary, was appointed chairman.

No intimation has been made as to the appointment of a new secretary to succeed Mr Hogarth.

Bailie William W. Carstairs. Anstruther, is sole partner in the firm of John Martin & Co., manufacturers, Cellardyke. The son of a Cellardyke fisherman, he entered John Martin & Co.’s employment in minor capacity, and has now become sole proprietor of the business, which gives employment to about 180 workpeople. Bailie Carstairs recently designed a new motor drifter which contains many novel features, and in which an exceptional interest has been taken by the fishing industry. It is claimed for this new boat that her cost is much less than a new wooden or steel drifter, while she can carry the same fleet of nets.

1932

HOUSING SCHEME AT CELLARDYKE

At the monthly meeting of Anstruther Town Council, Bailie Cook, convener of the Housing Committee, submitted plans of the proposed new housing scheme Fowler Street, Cellardyke. The scheme consisted of two blocks of four houses each and two blocks of two houses. The committee recommended that two-roomed bungalows be substituted in place of the cottage type proposed previously. The Council approved of the plans. With regard to the fencing round the gardens it was resolved to obtain estimates the cost of the erection of a wire fence and a brick wall and consider the alternative prices next meeting. The Council agreed to install gas boilers instead fire places in the small bedrooms of the flatted houses.

1933

WHIST DRIVE AND PRESENTATION AT CELLARDYKE. Under the auspices of Gardner’s Motor Service. Anstruther, whist drive was held in Cellardyke Town Hall, when Mr Hughes, Pittenweem, and  Miss Jeanie Smith, West Anstruther (both employees), were presented with a mantelpiece clock on the occasion of their approaching marriage. The presentation was made by Mr T. Gardner.

The cardmaster was Mr W. Brown, and the prizes were handed over by Mrs T. Gardner to the

The East Neuk’s Grand Old Man of the Sea By MRS A. R. ROWLANDS

When ye see the May Licht a abune the tap o’ the highest wave ye’re safe to mak’ Anster harbour”  was the storm-lore imparted by an old-time mariner to his son now a well-known Cellardyke skipper.

Nowhere on the coast of the Fifeshire peninsula is there such a dangerous rock bound shore as that washed by the Forth, and lying between Fifeness and Kincraig Point, Elie.

 Hence the reason for one of earliest lifeboats relegated to “The Kingdom” being stationed at Anstruther.

It has fallen to Mr John Jack, James Street, Cellardyke, to have this unique experience of spending eighty three years of life in connection with the district lifeboat ,he has he proudly asserts served on three such boats,  and it is now his sole ambition to assist at the launching of the fourth, the new motor lifeboat which is shortly to supersede the present sailing-vessel.

In 1880 Mr Jack “signed on” as one of the crew of the Admiral Fitzroy. This vessel was succeeded by the Royal Stuart which in turn gave place to the present vessel the James and Mary Walker.

The Launch of the last-named boat was unparalleled in the annals of lifeboat history, for she slipped from her cradle with sails unfurled and billowing in the breeze. Contrary to the expectations and outspoken criticism of the spectators, she took to the water as gracefully as one of our “sea maws.”

Anster’s Four Coxswains

Anstruther’s lifeboats, from their earliest have proudly vaunted their four coxswains who hold simultaneous office. These four concurrent appointments were made so that, though the others might be absent at the various “fishings, one man at least, should be at home to “carry the boat.”

During the winter herring season only were the four coxswains together available for duty. To prevent friction arising during this period, a superintendent coxswain was appointed to take full control of the boat.

A rock-bound coast and lee-shore upon which the south-east wind vents its full and direct fury renders the waygoing of the lifeboat a peculiarly difficult and dangerous venture. Before reaching the open sea, she must accomplish the well-nigh impossible task of crossing the harbour bar, and rounding the point of a pier hidden by clouds of spray.

She must then tack round and approach the distressed vessel from the weather-side, that is with the wind in her favour.

A lifeboat is destined for the preservation, not for the casting away of lives; it is the prerogative therefore of the coxswain to determine whether or not he shall risk the safety of his boat and crew in going to the rescue of a doomed vessel. Should the crew volunteer along with him, then he puts out to sea, and it stands to the honour and credit of the lifeboat crews that no man ever withdraws. It is indeed only after repeated attempts at rescue that any of our lifeboats have ever failed in their objective.

Beating Berwick to it

An example of coxswain and crew’s persistence and daring was given many years ago when a local vessel, the Providence, while making for the home harbour, was caught in a sudden stupendous gale. Disabled by a broken mast, and with her anchor caught on the Isle of May cable, she was cast on the rocks of the Billow Ness, where, buffeted by the breakers, she was in imminent danger of being dashed to pieces.

At half-past one in the morning the James and Mary Walker responded to the warning gun; but so high were the Cellardyke mountainous seas that the harbour bar became an insurmountable barrier. Thrice the lifeboat essayed to reach the open Firth, and her third attempt was almost disastrous, for she was caught the grip of the waves and dashed to the back of the pier.

The report hereafter arose that the North Berwick lifeboat, launched from a weather shore and having in consequence a following wind, was proceeding to the scene.

“Gin the Berwick lifeboat taks aff thae men, it’ll be slur on Cellardyke fishermen a’ their days,” commented a bystander on the pier.

“Wha’ll volunteer along wi’ me, an’ I’ll gang fourth time!” bawled the coxswain above the storm.

In response the crew once more manned the lifeboat. This time she succeeded reaching the stranded vessel; “standing by in case assistance was needed.

The gale, however, somewhat abated its force, and the Providence having rigged a jurv-mast, and having also fortunately cleared her anchor, made Anstruther harbour in safety.

Her encounter with the back o’ the pier cost the James and Mary Walker four holes her hull

“ . . . an’ a Newfun’lan’ Dug “

“It’s gey queer,” commented the old fisherman, “that when the gun roars out its warning call to the lifeboatmen, it’s either the mirkest oor o’ the nicht. or else the tide’s at its lowest ebb.”

It was in the ” wee sma’ oors ” of the morning that the summons came to rescue a steamer cast ashore on the rocks below St Monans’ Kirk. In extreme haste the boat was launched, and sore was her strain against the storm before she drew alongside the trapped vessel.

It was with much gusto that Mr Jack related how, during her hurried launch, the boat caught the side of her carriage and almost ripped off her rudder, ” but,” he finished with evident pride, “they took aff eighteen men an’ a Newfun’lan’ dug. We jaloosed, ye ken, that there wis something wrang wi’ the boat, but we jist keepit her gaun; when we got hame we had look at her, an’— her rudder wis nearly a’ torn awa’.”

Mountainous seas driven by furious gales against a lee-shore; piers and seadykes hidden by the spume and spray of the breakers; handful of weatherbeaten fishermen, and a gallant boat turning a determined bow to the elements, setting out to quest her way amid the tumultuous billows—these are the scenes recalled by an old man’s tales.

Eyes dimmed by eighty-three years’ vigil sparkle once more, and the voice resumes its old-time timbre as the veteran relives past days.

Always Second Cox.

Many speeches of congratulation have been made, and many messages sent to our Grand Old Man of the Sea but none has given him more pleasure than the letter sent by our member for East Fife, Mr J. Henderson Stewart.

“An’ it’s in his ain haund o’ write,” said the recipient as he fondled the cherished missive before handing it over again to the safe keeping of “the wife.”

“But I never was coxswain,” was the conclusion of Mr Jack’s narrative.

“Ay,” he added slyly, nodding at his beaming consort on the opposite side of the hearth, ” I wis aye on the lifeboat, jist the same as I am at hame, second cox.” JOHN JACK

1934

CELLARDYKE FISHERMAN’S DEATH INQUIRY.

A formal verdict was returned at Cupar yesterday in an inquiry into the death of Thomas Anderson, fisherman, 7 Dove Street, Cellardvke, who on 7th February fell overboard from the fishing boat Just Reward in the Firth of Forth, about a mile north of May Island.

It was stated that after Anderson had fallen overboard he was seen in the water 25 yards away, but he disappeared, and, despite the fact that the searchlight was put and a life-belt thrown, there was no trace of the deceased. The vessel searched for about an hour.

DUNDEE OFFICERS HONOURED RESCUES FROM BURNING LINER

Awards from French Government

Awards for gallantry to Dundee, Monifieth, and Cellardyke ship’s officers are announced.

At Liverpool Town Hall this week the Lord Mayor presented diplomas and medals behalf of the French Government to Captains Kershaw and Owens of the Liverpool steamers Mahsud and Contractor, and to officers and members of the crews.

The awards are in recognition of their gallantry in rescuing over 260 persons from the new French liner Georges Phillipar when she was destroyed by fire on 16th May 1932.

Among recipients of the awards are:— Third Officer J. S. Richardson, of the Mahsud, who resides Penninah, Monifieth (diploma and silver medal first class); Mr T. M. Gardner, of 18 Fowler Street,. Cellardyke (diploma and silver medal of” second class);………………….

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