Wreck of steamer Rhosneigr, Rhos-on-Sea
On 20 July 1908, 75 people were waiting on Rhos-on-Sea pier to take a sea trip to Blackpool when, to their horror, the ship they intended to board sank as it approached the pier.
The pier extended for 430 metres (1,400ft) out to sea from Rhos Point, which was long enough for ships to call at any state of the tide. The paddle steamer Rhosneigr had set off that morning from Llandudno with c.50 passengers who had paid 2/6d (two shillings and sixpence) for the return trip to Blackpool.
The ship, pictured here, was built in 1876 and belonged to the Mersey Trading Company of Liverpool.
While passing the Little Orme, the PS Rhosneigr struck an underwater object which inflicted a 5.5-metre (18ft) gash in its hull. The passengers were alarmed by a grating noise, and the crew rushed up from below deck where there was a “fierce inrush of water”.
The captain kept close to the shore, aiming for Rhos pier, but the ship settled lower and lower in the water. It ran aground with just 200 metres to go. The intending passengers watched the unfolding drama with their hearts in their mouths – the Rhosneigr had only two small lifeboats!
Men and boats from the steamer Rhos Trevor, which was moored at the pier, dashed across and saved all of the passengers and crew. The captain later had his licence suspended for three months for steering the Rhosneigr too close to shore.
The middle photo, courtesy of Conwy Archive Service, shows the wreck with its front half submerged. The remains of the Rhosneigr’s paddle wheels can still be seen off Rhos Point at low spring tides. The wreck is the subject of one of the granite “postcards” installed on the prom in 2024.
With thanks to John Lawson-Reay, of Llandudno & Colwyn Bay History Society
Website of Conwy Archive Service
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