Mariners-L Archives

From: "Carl" <>
Subject: Re: [Mar] LEWIS JONES - SHIPS HARLEQUIN & LEINSTER, HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY
Date: Sun, 6 Nov 2005 12:47:12 -0000
References: <20051105195302.93385.qmail@web50208.mail.yahoo.com>

Betty Pace was seeking information on a Lewis Jones a member of the crew of
the HARLEQUIN. This was most likely to be the steam packet which operated
between Holyhead and Dublin rather than the brig Harlequin which she also
mentioned.

The brigs Harlequin (Palermo - Liverpool)and Fame (Barbadoes - L'pool) were
driven ashore in Holyhead harbour during the WNW storm of 27/28 April 1829.
A number of writers have given the impression that the crews were rescued by
the Holyhead lifeboat but Lloyd's List says that "the crews were saved by
ropes from the shore". Thomas Hughes (boatman 1st class - presumably of the
Coastguard) led a party of volunteers. The crews of both vessels tied lines
to pieces of wood which were blown ashore. Heavier lines were then hauled
out and the crews came ashore by breeches buoy or simply hand over hand.
Thomas Hughes was awarded the Silver Medal of the Lifeboat Institution. For
much of the nineteenth century the RNLI awarded acts of gallantry not only
by its own lifeboat crews and the crews of private "shore boats" but also by
individuals who waded or swam out to a wreck or otherwise saved lives. For
many years the Institution has rewarded lifeboat crews and those who launch
shore boats only. Other acts of gallantry are normally rewarded by the Royal
Humane Society.

Carl Smith (Shipwreck and Rescue on the coast of Wales)

This thread:

• LEWIS JONES - SHIPS HARLEQUIN & LEINSTER, HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY by Betty Pace <>

  • Re: [Mar] LEWIS JONES - SHIPS HARLEQUIN & LEINSTER, HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY by "Carl" <>

  • LEWIS JONES - SHIPS HARLEQUIN & LEINSTER, HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY by