Wreck of steamer Rhosneigr, Rhos-on-Sea

Link to French translationWreck of steamer Rhosneigr, Rhos-on-Sea

Photo of PS RhosneigrOn 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 PS Rhosneigr (pictured right) had set off that morning from Llandudno with 80 passengers who had paid 2/6d (two shillings and sixpence) for the return trip to Blackpool. While crossing Penrhyn Bay, it struck an underwater object which inflicted a 5.5-metre (18ft) gash in its hull.

Photo of wreckage of PS RhosneigrThe captain tried to reach Rhos pier but the ship settled lower and lower in the water, and stopped with just two hundred 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. Later the Rhosneigr sank completely. The remains of its paddles (pictured left) can still be seen off Rhos Point at low spring tides.

With thanks to John Lawson-Reay, of Llandudno & Colwyn Bay History Society

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Other SHIPWRECK HiPoints in this region:
MV Carrier – wrecked in 2012 by quarry jetty at Llanddulas
Hornby wreck 1824 – sole survivor wasn’t believed till Great Orme miners saw the wreckage

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