Ship

The clipper ship Mermaid was built in 1853 at the shipyard of John McDonald in St. John’s, Nova Scotia. With dimensions measuring 188 feet in length, 34 feet 3 inches in width, and 22 feet 5 inches in depth, she boasted a tonnage of 1321/1233 tons. Her construction incorporated iron bolts, a testament to the ever-evolving advancements in shipbuilding during that era. Classified as A1 at Lloyd’s Register, she sailed under the British flag.

In 1854, she was sold to Pilkington & Wilson of Liverpool and became part of the White Star Line’s Australia trade. Registered with the British Reg. No. 6024 and signal JMCP. The Mermaid set sail on her maiden voyage from London to Melbourne, completing the journey in an impressive 74½ days.

In 1859 she made her first voyage to New Zealand, sailing from London to Auckland under the command of James White in 100 days.  Her next voyage was in 1860 via Melbourne (arriving in 81 days), and she continued on to Auckland partly in ballast.

In 1861 she sailed again to Auckland, this time under the command of Henry Rose. The following year the Mermaid was chartered to Shaw. Savill & Co.

Henry Rose remained captain of the Mermaid for the next six voyages from London to Lyttelton. In 1865, the ownership was transferred to Wilson & Co, Liverpool, and in 1868 she was sold to Shaw, Savill & Co.

In 1869 she was sold to Davies & Plain, Cardiff, and sold again in 1872.

On 10 November 1883 the Mermaid left Quebec with a cargo of timber bound for Liverpool. She encountered a severe gale off Southport, England and drifted ashore at Horse Bank on 13 December. The crew abandoned the vessel in two lifeboats and were rescued by the Southport and Lytham lifeboats.