Vennerne

Last Updated on Friday, 14 January 2011 15:11

1894 -The Vennerne (known locally as the Vernani) was a 375 ton barque in ballast, sheltering with others from easterly winds in Rhossili Bay. The wind veered to the north-west and the ship dragged anchor. The Rhossili rocket crew tried to get a line to the ship from the cliffs but it fell short so they decided to try from the beach.   When they got down they saw a light approaching through the surf.   It turned out to be a whale boat carrying the Captain of the Vennerne, his wife and six-month-old baby, and the crew of the ship. They came ashore safely (the baby held aloft by one of the rescuers) but the ship was dashed to pieces under the cliff.   Remains of the wreck can be seen to this day. (Ref. 014)