Althea

Last Updated on Saturday, 12 February 2011 10:47

1893 – The Althea, a Norwegian barque from Grimstad carrying a cargo of coal, went aground at Nicholaston Pill in a terrible storm.   The Port Eynon lifeboat, attempting to launch from that beach,was driven back  time and again but eventually forced their way through the breakers.   Even so it took an hour and a half to row to where the vessel was beginning to disintegrate.   The ten crew member had managed to launch the ship's boat but were fighting a losing battle in the mountainous waves.   The lifeboat arrived to rescue the men just as the boat was about to capsize .   The ship was a total wreck.  (Ref: 072)