1800
On the morning of Feb 24th, 1800, one of the seven Cellardyke boats at the ‘keeling’ or great line fishery was making its way back to the hjarbour in the teeth of a rising south-easterly gale when it was hit by a giant wave and swept twards the reef known as the ‘Skellie Point’. The crowd on the pier could only watch helplessly as the boat was crushed on the rocks, and the crew one by one disappeared into the sea. “I see’t the noo’, cried an eyewitness sixty years later. ‘The cry’s in my lug yet’ wept another, even later. Only one man escaped the terrible maelstrom;
And so the death scene closes on one and all, save the solitary swimmer, William Watson, whose escape is one of the most romantic incidents on the coast. His companions had disappeared in the recoiling waves, but anticipating this danger he bade them all farewell and divesting himself of his big jacket plunged into the sea. ‘I felt as if I walked on the water’ he told his friends, and so it almost seemed to others, so strangely that he was bourne on the great billow that swept him to the shore. Here another thrilling scene occurred. His devoted wife, Mary Galloway, had been one of the spectators of the fatal scene, and now in the heroism of woman’s love, and with a strength that was not to be resisted by those around her, she rushed in to his rescue, and clasped him to her bosom. ( William Watson was usually reffered to as Water Willie from that point) Those lost
Philip Anderson, Leslie Brown, William Muir, Thomas Fowler, Thomas Smith, Andrew Robertson and Thomas Chrichton flax dresser and part time fisherman. Information extracted from ‘Kilrenny and Cellardyke’ by Harry D Watson. . ISBN 0 85976 256 8
1805
As always, in return for riches it yeilded the sea demanded recompense, in June 1805 the Nancy foundered off Crail with the loss of brothers Alexander and Thomas Scott, together with James Morris, David Rhynd, David Wilson and James Watson. Then it was the turn of the Brothers, when the unfortunate Leslie Brown followed his father and grandfather before him to a watery grave Information extracted from ‘Kilrenny and Cellardyke’ by Harry D Watson.
In the course of last week a fishing boat belonging to the town of Cellardyke on the east coast of Fife was upset by a squall of wind, and the whole crew consisting of six men were unfortunately drowned – they have left three widows and thirteen young children, altogether destitute – The Caledonian Mercury 4th July 1805
1814
David Rodger drowned at Burntisland Drave ( David was the father of Alexander Rodger 1802-1977 the famous tea clipper Captain and ship owner) also lost George Rodger and Thomas Watson
1815
Three unnamed
Last week a boat belonging to Cellardykes while out in the Firth fishing for herrings, was upset and the crew (a father and son and another person) unhappily perished. By this melancholy accident, we are sorry to learn. 10 children have been left fatherless – Perthshire Courier 12th January 1815
1819
The Flora sunk ( Skipper Alexander Parker) only crew member lost Alexander Watson Harry D Watson.
1825
Friday last, a foreign vessel having entered the Forth, put up a signal for a pilot. A boat put off from Cellardyke for the vessel, but before it reached her, one of the crew, Andrew Robertson, fell overboard, and rose again at a considerable distance; oars, &c. were thrown out to him, but he was unable to catch hold of them. The boat drifted to a distance, and was unable to reach the drowning man before he sunk to rise no more. He has left a widow and four children to lament his loss. Fife Herald – Thursday 22 September 1825
1826
VICTORY – MELANCHOLY LOSS OF A FISHING BOAT. During the dreadful gale on the afternoon of Thursday the 6th of April current, a Cellardyke fishing boat was lost, about six miles to the eastward of the Isle of May, and her whole crew, consisting of eight persons, were unfortunately drowned, excepting one man, who was picked up by another boat, after remaining about an hour in the water. By this calamitous event four poor widows, and a number of helpless children, totally unprovided for, are left to bewail the loss of their husbands and fathers. Two of the persons who have suffered were lately married, and their widows are pregnant; such as were unmarried were the support of aged parents or of younger brothers and sisters. In short, each of these poor mourning families have a claim in one way or other on the sympathy of the humane ; but upon one family the stroke has fallen with peculiar severity; a father and his two sons are among the deceased.
It is well known that the town of Cellardyke contributes greatly to the supply of the Edinburgh market with fresh fish, and, when all the circumstances are taken into n considerations it is confidently hoped that this appeal to the benevolent citizens of Edinburgh and Leith, and the public at large, will not be made in vain. The smallest benefactions will be thankfully received.
The following gentlemen have kindly undertaken to receive subscriptions in Edinburgh and Leith, viz.. Messrs Ramsays, Bonars, and Co. bankers, Exchange. Mr Forrester, at the Bank of Scotland. Mr Brash, at the North British Insurance Company. Mr Johnston, North Bridge. Mr Nairne, Picardy Place-and Mr George Forrester, Mr William Waddell, Mr Robert Coldstream, and Mr John MacKie of Leith.
And a Committee upon the spot, consisting of the Rev. Mr Brown, minister of Kilrenny ; Messrs James Reekie, Andrew Crawford, and John Morris, the Magistrates of that burgh; and Mr F. Conolly, the Town Clerk, have agreed to make all exertions in their power for the sufferers, and to see the funds that may be raised properly applied.
The following is a list of the boats crew; David Taylor, senior, David Taylor, junior, William Taylor, Robert Pratt, William Peattie, Andrew Heugh, Robert Corstorphine, all drowned. William Pratt, saved. Caledonian Mercury – Monday 10 April 1826
1828
OLIVE
Fishing Boat Lost. —At three o’clock afternoon on the 24th September current, while a fleet of Cellardyke boats were returning from Eden-water with mussels for bait, one of them, the Olive, Davidson master, went down between the Carr Rock Beacon and the Isle of May, when the boat and six of the crew were unfortunately lost. One of the boats in company succeeded in saving the seventh, or only other man onboard. The man saved, named Davidson, has to lament the loss of two sons, a brother, and a. brother’s son. Edinburgh Evening Courant – Saturday 27 September 1828
LOST – Wiliam Davidson, James Davidson, John Davidson and Andrew Davidson
A Body Found.—lt was lately mentioned that a fishing boat, belonging to Cellardyke, had sunk in the Frith, and that six of the crew had perished. On Tuesday afternoon the body of one of the sufferers, of the name of Davidson, was found floating within few yards of the spot where the accident happened. It was of course conveyed straight to Cellardyke, and delivered to the relatives. Edinburgh Evening Courant – Monday 03 November 1828
1831
On Thursday night last, betwixt 11 and 12 o’clock, as one of the Cellardyke boats, returning from the north country fishing, was off Peterhead, a passenger the name of Wilkie, a flesher, belonging to St Andrews, while reaching forward with boat hook to some part of the tackling of the sail, unfortunately lost his balance and fell overboard. From the darkness of the night, and the boat being then under of sail, no assistance could be rendered him, and he was not seen after. Wilkie had been at Helmsdale following his profession there during the fishing season, and is probable he would have some money; at any rate he had papers upon him, so that when his corpse is found he will be easily recognised. Fife Herald – Thursday 15 September 1831
1836
The story of the Whaler, Thomas, and the loss of William Davidson, John Muir and his cousin William Muir is told along with the Pittenweem losses here –
1837
Johns Disaster – I have reported the inquesty as many of the reports following the event didnot have accurate numbers drowned and many more were estimated. – Richard Wemyss
Newspaper report at the inquest
John Sutherland, skipper of the boat “Johns” of Cellardyke, pleaded Not Guilty to a charge of culpable homicide, in having, on the 1st July 1837, proceeded from Cellardyke to the Isle of May, and received into his boat 58 persons, making, with the crew of seven persons, 65 in all, being many more than the boat could carry with safety, and such a number as would prevent the crew from properly managing the said boat, especially if they encountered unfavourable weather, and that, when they came to a part of the island on the west side, called the Stand,- where there is a safe landing place, he did not land any of the passengers there, but proceeded round to the east side of the island, to land them in a creek called the Kirkenhaven, where a heavy swell was well known to the prisoner frequently to set in to said creek; that the boat was propelled only with four oars, though these were not sufficient to propel the said boat ~that laden as it then was, through the eddles and broken water; and that the boat was caught in the said eddies, became unmanageable, and Margaret Taylor, and other twelve persons wore drowned.-
Three declarations of the prisoner were read, agreeing in the main with those facts, but declaring that he apprehended no danger, and had often been at the Isle of a May with a more numerous crew. He was to have no remuneration from the passengers.
Robert Davidson, one of the crew, said, they left Cellardyke about a quarter past nine in the morning. There were about 65 passengers on board. They came to the west end of the island, but did not land any of the passengers there. Some other boats did so. They went round the south end, and saw another boat a-head of them. They took down their sail, and put out four oars. They were then about 30 yards from the mouth of the haven, where the landing place is, They did not put out more than four oars, for they thought that was sufficient. They might have put out six oars, by putting the passengers forward; but passengers are never sent forward. Has seen a smaller boats at the Isle of May with 70 passengers. Does not think 65 passengers were too many in good weather. The distance between Cellardyke and the island is about five miles and a half. It did not enter witness’s mind, on going to the boat, that there were too many passengers – that it was endangering either his own life or the lives of others. On entering the creek or haven, a sea struck the boat, and drove her among the rocks. This would have happened if there had been nobody on board but the crew. Does not think that the swell is worse at the inlet than on other parts of the island. Considers that, in a heavy sea, the landing place called the Tarpet is safer then this creek; but on that day, from the state of the sea, it never came into witness’s head that there was any danger. Witness helped to take some persons out who were drowned.
Cross-examined-Witness was at the helm and used all care on the occasion. Has been sixteen years a fisherman. Has known the prisoner for a long time, and never saw anything against him. The crew were all sober at the time. If the owner of the boat were to tell witness when steering, that he was endangering his boat, witness would tell him to take the helm himself. (A laugh.) There is a quay at the Kirkenhaven; it is the only proper landing place on the island. If they had as many oars again, it would not have made a grain of difference. The prisoner’s wife, and three or four children, were on board. His wife had a child in her arms, and one or two other women had children in their arms. Sutherland was very active. Cried out, never to mind the boat-to let the boat go; and the boat did go. He lost all that belonged to him. The accident was quite sudden and unexpected. Saw nothing done and nothing omitted that human care could suggest to prevent the accident.
Re-examined-Sutherland was the owner of the boat, and could have put witness from the helm-could have put him not of the boat if he chose. There were four fishermen on board, besides seven of the crew. Such accidents have happened before at Kirkenhaven. Does not know that it is considered a dangerous place to approach when the swell is from the eastward. Heard no one remark there was danger in going in.
By a Juryman- There was a little, swell on the water as they were crossing to the island. Was out once before in the same boat, and there were about sixty persons on hoard, Witness had a good-sister on beard who e was drowned.
Alexander Wood- Was at the Isle of May in his own boat, the Briton, on the day of the accident. Approached the island on the west side, and it is common to go round the south side to show strangers the water-fowl. Came back to the west aide, and landed the passengers. Did not go into the Kirkenhaven, because there was a surge there, and did not consider it safe to go in. Saw Mr Sutherland’s boat following his, but they went into the haven. Witness intended to go into the haven; but a when he saw the surge, he changed his mind. The surge was not always on; there were what they call smooths or intervals. Witness doss not know whether it was safe for Sutherland to go in or not. The surge was on when witness was there-it had just broke; and he did am not stop to see if he could get in afterwards. There were six oars on board of each boat.
Cross-examined- Witness boat is three feet shorter than Sutherland’s, thinks he had forty-eight persons on board. There were seven of the crews besides. Witness did not think he had taken too many on board. If witness had not seen the swell at the time, he would have gone in at once. The Johns was a full half mile behind him. Has known Sutherland since he was a- boy. He is a steady good seamen. Witness put on four oars to draw his boat to the Stand. They brought the boat close to the side of the rock. There was no wind of consequence, what there was came from the west; and the general practice is to land on the lee side of the island. When he saw the Johns taking the passengers on board, it did not occur to him that Sutherland was taking too many on board. This pleasure excursion has been a practice from time immemorial.
By a Juryman the swell rises quite suddenly, and of you cannot tell beforehand whether it is coming or not.
Mr Shaw Stewart said it wire not his intention to press the case farther. The Jury saw that there had been a lamentable loss at life, and the Crown Counsel thought circumstances might come out to show that some carelessness had taken place; but from the evidence that had had come out, it was clear there was no responsibility to attach to the prisoner. He hoped, however, it would be a warning for those persons-respectable and industrious are as he believed them all to be-to use more caution in taking passengers on board.
Mr Patrick Robertson, for the prisoner, concurred in the remarks of his Learned Friend; The prisoner Sutherland had only to deplore the accident, by which he himself been himself a severe sufferer, having lost his all.
Lord Meadowbank having addressed the Jury to the same effect, and stated that the Crown Counsel had acted with proper care said discretion, in bringing this case before the Court, the Jury, under his Lordship’s direr lions, unanimously returned a verdict of Not Guilty. Caledonian Mercury – Saturday 17 March 1838
1842
LORD MELBOURNE
On Tuesday the 29th ult., between ten and eleven o’clock forenoon, the boat Lord Melbourne, of Cellardyke, Henry Reid, skipper or master, while coming in from the fishing, about ten miles to the south and eastward of the Isle of May, filled with water, in the act of laying about, during heavy gale, and instantly went down, by which the crew of 6 persons unfortunately perished. Three of these were brothers. The only person saved was young man of the name of Dickson, aged about eighteen, who got hold of the boom, and hung on, till a boat from Cellardyke picked him up. Perthshire Courier – Thursday 07 April 1842
LOST – Henry Reid, George Smith, James Smith, John Sutherland and James Watson
1844
WILLIAM
Cellardyke.—Eight Lives Lost.—On the afternoon of Thursday week, our fishermen put out sea in gay spirits,— the weather being fine, and the prospect beautiful sea and land. About eleven o clock, p.m., however, while still on their way the deepsea-fishing, the wind, which had hitherto been gentle, rose furiously, and caught a number the crew by surprise, and, striking their sails aback, placed them in the greatest jeopardy. On this occasion, we are sorry to say, one of the crews, with their sails all set, were quite unprepared for the trying emergency, being, with the exception a young man at the helm, all fast asleep at the bottom of the boat, little dreaming they were soon to sleep “the sleep which knows no waking.” A neighbour boat, in passing, called out them to strike their sails, but no sign was returned of their being sensible of their approaching danger.—• The consequence is that they have not been heard since; and there is no doubt the boat immediately upset and swept out to sea, and that ail hands perished. Their names were—George Smith, jun., boat-skipper; James Smith, his brother; George Smith, son of James; James Watson, James Salter, Robert Mackay, John Sutherland, jun., Wilson Brunton; leaving six widows and thirteen children destitute circumstances. Perthshire Courier – Thursday 30 May 1844
1846
NANCY -(This boat was only a fortnight old)
Cellardyke Seven Men Drowned.— There can now be no doubt that the fishing boat Nancy of this place went down on the night of Thursday the 23d ultimo, and that all on board perished. When last seen, she had all her sails set; and, at that time the wind was blowing pretty strong, the probability is that she had been upset before the crew had time to lower her sails. The following are the names of the crew and the number of children they have left. Thomas Reid, master, widow and five children ; William Muir, widow and four children; Thomas Muir, widow and two children; George Anderson, widow and two children; John Wilson, a widow two children; Alexander Wilson, widow; John Boyter, unmarried. By this melancholy accident, six widows (one of whom, Mrs Alexander “Wilson, pregnant;, fifteen children, and an old woman (the mother of John Boyter, her son being her only support), have been thrown into a state of utter destitution. Dundee, Perth, and Cupar Advertiser – Friday 08 May 1846
1848
JOHN AND MARY
The “John and Mary,” fishing-boat of the largest class, belonging Cellardyke, John Smith, master, with crew of eight men, went to sea at two o’clock on Friday morning the 3rd instant. The weather came very stormy, with heavy squalls, and the sea running very high, that many the boats were in great danger. the John and Mary has not since been heard of, and some articles connected with a boat were seen floating at sea that morning, and several other articles belonging the missing boat have been driven on shore, there is every reason to conclude that either she must have been run down by a vessel, or gone down in squall. In this melancholy event eight industrious fishermen have been drowned, leaving six widows and twenty two children to mourn their loss. The particular circumstances of each of the bereaved families are follows : John Smith, master and owner of the boat, left a widow and four children, the eldest five years, the youngest seven months. James Fleming, left a widow pregnant, besides seven children from two to sixteen years old. Henry Reid left a widow and seven children, five of whom are under fourteen years, the youngest being born on the same morning on which the father perished. Thomas Fleming, left widow and six children, fonr whom are from nine to sixteen years old. A son Thomas Fleming perished along with his father. James Dick, left widow and two children, eldest five years. David Birrell left widow, supposed to be pregnant. James Dickson, unmarried. (James had been the only survivor of Lord Melbourne disaster in 1842) From personal knowledge each particular ease, I can say that the crew were sober industrious men, some them the most respectable of their class ; and, while some of the widows are not so destitute as be entitled to parochial relief, yet most of them are without any means for present support, and, especially while suffering under the pressure of such a heavy calamity, cannot be expected to be able do anything for themselves and their families; and if any means a small sum could be raised for relief of their present necessities, it would be thankfully received. James Fowler. Fife Herald – Thursday 16 November 1848
- Page 2 – List of Losses
- Page 3 – 1776 – 1799
- Page 4 – 1800 – 1849
- Page 5 – 1850 – 1869
- Page 6 – 1870 – 1879
- Page 7 – 1880 – 1889
- Page 8 – 1890 – 1899
- Page 9 – 1900 – 1909
- Page 10 – 1910 – 1920
- Page 11 – 1921 – 1950