Collision in the Tees - 1890

The following appeared in the Northern Daily Mail,  March 25^th, 1890

Collision in the Tees
West Hartlepool Steamers seriously damaged
Shortly after half past seven o’clock this morning, during the prevalence of a dense fog, a collision of disastrous character occurred in the River Tees between the screw-steamers Blenheim and Breeze, both of which belong to West Hartlepool. The Blenheim it appears, under the command of Captain Sanderson, was bound from Middlesbrough to Boca (River Plate), and the Breeze was entering with a cargo of iron ore. The vessels collided with terrific force, the former being literally burst open amidships on the port side. Water rushed into the breach in large volumes and the captain decided to run for Hartlepool, which he fortunately reached in safety, and the vessel now lies in the Old Harbour. The Breeze was also badly damaged, but proceeded to Middlesbrough. The latter vessel is owned by Messrs. T. Appleby and Co., whilst the Blenheim, which is a new boat, belongs to Messrs. Steel, Young and Co.

26^th March
The S.S. Blenheim
This vessel, damaged by collision with the s.s. Breeze in the Tees yesterday, under circumstances reported in yesterday’s Mail, is now lying in the Central Dock, West Hartlepool, discharging her cargo, after which she will be placed in the North-Eastern Dry Dock for repairs by Messrs. E. Withy and Co. At the point of collision the after end of the bridge house, on the starboard side, the main and bridge decks and the shell-plating, show the immense force of the collision, as the steel plates are bent and buckled very considerably, and although there are a few fractures, yet on the whole the structure, except locally, is undisturbed and clearly illustrates the superior qualities of steel for shipbuilding purposes. We believe the steel used in this vessel was manufactured by Messrs. Gray and Gladstone, of the West Hartlepool Steel Works.

Related items :