| Brief Description |
This flag's initials stand for the Wellington Steam Packet Co Ltd. "Stormbird" is inscribed in black ink on one edge. The SS "Stormbird" met her fate at Wanganui in 1916. The WSPC owned this schooner from 1901-1916.
Official No: 31760
Weight: 96.52/67.20 tons
Rig: Schooner rig
Dimensions: 100 x 18 x 7.9ft
Propelling power: 2 engines, 30 hp, iron screw steamer
Built: Whiteinch, Co Lanark, 1854, by Messrs Laurie & Co
"Stormbird" went through many changes of ownership, alterations and improvements plus strandings and minor mishaps, over her long life. She was wrecked at the entrance to the Whanganui River on 2 September 1916.
“The Stormbird was in light trim and on reaching the harbour entrance a sea struck her bow and threw her broadside on towards the north mole. There was not sufficient sea room for her to recover, and she was driven by the wind and current on to the south mole. Heavy seas broke over the steamer, extinguishing the fires, and she eventually cut her way through the mole until held by the rocks at the part under the engine-room. It was at this stage that six of the crew scrambled ashore. The Stormbird suddenly snapped in two pieces, the forward part drifting 400 feet before capsizing. At the time of the disaster the night was dark and the heavy ground swell made for a heavy sea at the river entrance.”
[New Zealand Shipwrecks 1795-1982, C W Ingram, 1984]
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