Bubona - Shipwreck 1860

Wexford Independent, December 29th, 1860:
On Christmas day, during the partial lifting of the heavy frost fog which prevailed over the sea in the forenoon, two brigs were observed to be close proximity to the Long Bank in our South (the Roslare) Bay, but disappearing almost immediately, nothing further was thought about them. About 2 p,m., however, a brig was seen under full sail making shorewards, the wind having veered to the S.E., and increasing with a very heavy sea breaking along the coast.

The Pilots prepared to meet her. and the steam tug Erin, Captain Blake, ran down to offer assistance, if required. After some time it was observed that the brig paid no attention the tug, and was running before the wind dead on the land—and soon it was evident that she had no crew on board. The tug put on all power to intercept her, but before that could be effected, the brig had passed through much broken water, grounding, in a furious surf, near to the White House, Roslare. Efforts were made in vain to board her, both by the Customs and Pilots, as well as from the beach, and night closed, leaving the vessel in a good upright position, the wind and sea increasing in force. Next day efforts were again renewed under the direction of Mr. Coghlan, Collector of Customs. but with better success, the hull settling down and the sea making a clear sweep over the decks, but during the night the masts and sails went over the side opening the hull asunder.

On Tuesday night a boat was washed ashore near the Fort, with the words ”Bubona of Hartlepool, George Chudleigh” painted on her. From this it was naturally supposed that the vessel was of the same name—and this has since been ascertained to be the fact, the Registry and several papers, including two Bills of Lading have been washed on shore. The registry shows the ship to be the ”Bubona”, of Hartlepool, 201 tons register, George Chudleigh. master —and the two bills, which both bear the date 13th December, 1860, are for 150 tons Pig Iron, from Glasgow, and for 100 tons, like article, from Ardrossan, destination, Havre. It is also probable that other goods were on board, as some broken cases have been washed on shore. Up the present nothing has been heard of the crew —but the prevailing opinion is, that the ship having grounded on the Long Bank, they took to the boat and got on board the other brig, seen a short distance (as already mentioned) in company and to the leeward. 

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