Milwaukee
April 1899
LSA
"WRECK CLEVERLY HANDLED.
Naval Architects Interested in Feat Just Accomplished on the Tyne.
London April , 12 The British steamer Milwaukee , of Liverpool , which on a voyage from Newcastle-on-Tyne for New Orleans went ashore on September 16 last at Port Errell , nine miles south of Peterhead , was re-launched on the Tyne today.
The feat of saving half the steamer and rebuilding the missing portion is regarded as remarkable and has aroused the greatest Interest among naval archltects . The afterpart of the Milwaukee was raised by the Liverpool Salvage Association and towed safely to the Albert Edward dock on October 5 last.
She was a vessel of 4,775 tons net , was badly damaged In No . 2 hold , and had her bottom crushed in just under the fore part of the bridge. Rock protruded through the bottom of the hold for 30 feet . Her position was extremely difficult , and the working of the wrecking and repairing called for the greatest ingenuity." from the Daily Colonist 13 april 1899
HMS Montagu
May 1901
Ranger
"At the Admiral's suggestion the Ranger, a speciallyfitted vessel belonging to the Liverpool Salvage Association, and commanded by Captain Young, had been despatched to the scene, also an Assistant Constructor, Mr. Mitchell, from the Admiralty, and Mr. Worthington with a party of shipwrights from Pembroke Dockyard, to render assistance. The Admiral took charge of the operations at once ; but before he could give his whole attention to them he had to arrange for the conduct of the first period of the Grand Manoeuvres, as they were called this year, which were about to begin. He therefore sent for Sir Day Bosanquet, the next senior Admiral, and having transferred his orders and explained his intended operations to him, he set to work to make a more thorough examination of the damage and to form a plan to get the ship afloat. At first only approximate calculations were possible. The weight of the ship being known, the volume of displacement required to lift her could be ascertained, but only as the examination of the hull proceeded and showed which compartments were watertight, or could be made so, could it be calculated how this buoyancy could be obtained, how it would be distributed, and whether the ship would be in a sufficiently stable condition to be moved without capsizing. Steps were at once taken to build an airtight deck over the boiler and engine rooms, as low down as the fall of the tide permitted, that is in line with the main deck, and to install air compressors to force air below it and into such other compartments as were tight enough to hold it, and in the meantime to remove as much weight from the ship as possible. A Reserve battleship was requisitioned to serve as a depot, more shipwrights were sent for, pumps, air-compressors, locomotive boilers and engines were obtained from Pembroke, hoisted in and set up about the upper deck ; the special appliances of the Ranger and her two consorts were installed, and as each compartment was found serviceable, its small leaks were caulked and its bulkheads strengthened."
from the Life of Admiral of the fleet Sir Arthur Knyvet Wilson by Bradford, Edward Eden, Murray, London 1923 pp.213/4
HMS Gladiator
1908
Captain Young, Ranger
"The King and Queen visited the Gladiator yesterday afternoon and inspected the sunken cruiser. Their Majesties were received by Captain Young of the Liverpool salvage ship Ranger." London Daily News - Tuesday 04 August 1908 p.4 col
The vessels seen here. from left to right. are: The wrecked Gladiator, the gunboat, Skate, the Retribution, a lighter with the salvage steamer Ranger, and a gunboat immedintely behind it on the right. On the extreme right of the picture are seen two cylinders used in the salving operations These cylinders weigh from 100 to 200 ton each. In the Gladiator itself steam pump suctions have been fitted up.
"Unusual interest attaches to the navy, at the moment in all its branches, for the quarrel between the admirals has not yet been settled, and the very absence of newspaper correspondents from the manœuvres has had the effect of giving enhanced value to the tactics of the occasion. iwcctiiw une iiic waiving ut me Gladiator, which sank in the Solent after colliding with the St. Paul, lias been exciting. The steel cylinders used in lifting her weigh from 100 to 200 tons. All the guns of the vessel have been removed, and it is expected that the King himself will watch the final operations at the begin ning of next month. The work has been rendered very difficult owing to the strong tides, which run at the spot at over six knots, impeding the divers." The Sphere - Saturday 25 July 1908 p. 70
Another view of the salvage operation with the salvage steamer Ranger moored alongside Gladiator.
An interesting view of the preliminary operations for salving the Gladiator. The huge davits have been removed and
chains fixed from the warship to the salvage steamer Ranger moored alongside. A signal mast has been erected on the
upturned side of the vessel, which a signalman stands. from the London Daily News - Wednesday 06 May 1908
Slavonia
1909
"THE LOSS OF THE SLAVONIA.
The Board Trade inquiry Liverpool into the loss of the Cunard steamer Slavonia by stranding on the Island of Flores, in the Azores, on the early morning of the 10th June last, when on voyage from New York for Gibraltar, was resumed yesterday. Her master, Captain Dunmng,attributed the stranding to having been driven several miles out of his coarse by unsuspected northerly current. Captain Robert Hunter, of the Harrison liner Mechanician, now stated that he had experienced a strong northerly current near Flores when south-west course, and was thrown out of bis course seven miles. Mr. John Ellis, master of the Liverpool salvage steamer Ranger, said when the Azores on salvage operations at the Slavonia in June last he experienced strong northern set of current when crossing from Flores to Fayal, distant 130 miles. This completed tho evidence. Mr. Miller, behalf of the master, submitted that safe and proper course, according to all information available, had been set when approaching Flores, and there were no grounds for suspecting the existence of the northerly current which bad the effect of tbrowiug him so far out of his coarse.
Judgment will be given to-day." from the Northern Whig - Friday 10 September 1909 p. 10
SS Oceana, Agadir, Milwaukee
March 1912, April 1913, April 1899
"MERITORIOUS SALVAGE.
Many have been the highly meritorious salvages. To enumerate a few I would mention the P. & O. steamer Oceana sunk after collision off Beachy Head, where nearly 700,000 of gold and silver were recovered by divers. The R. M. S. P. steamer Agadir stranded off Mazagan, North Africa. The salvors refused to attempt salvage on the " no cure no pay " terms, and arrangements were made for the Liverpool Salvage Association to send their steamer Linnet, which vessel subsequently floated the Agadir. The steamer Milwaukee stranded off the coast. In order to salve her it was found necessary to cut off her bows. This was done by explosives. The remainder of the vessel was towed off, and a new bow was fitted to her in dry dock. I might add that the Salvage Association and the Liverpool Salvage Association are Underwriters' associations and are not commercial concerns, and do not work for profits. The management of these two Associations and also that of the Glasgow Salvage Association is in the hands of Committees of Underwriters, the Officers of all three Associations being persons of well-known ability. The Liverpool Salvage Association owns salvage steamers, while the Salvage Association content themselves by simply owning a certain quantity of salvage plant.
This concludes my remarks regarding General Average, Salvage, and Sue and Labour charges, which remarks are somewhat limited owing to time." from Marine insurance: a series of lectures by F.H. Carey, Lecture No. 3, 1936?? p.47/8 (Reprinted from LLOYD'S LIST.)
SS Oceana
March 1912
The images below show the salvage steamer, Ranger, straddling the submerged Oceana during salvage operations. The image on the left taken from the air and that on the right from a boat. (click for larger images)
"AIR SCOUT v. SUBMARINE The First Results of The Sphere's" Aviation Experiments with Submerged Vessels.
FIRST PHOTOGRAFH AT 90 FT, ALTITUDE
The actual negative of the first photograph shows a much wider field than the views taken at lower altitudes. The portion given here is enlarged. This one when held at a distance of some 5 ft. shows the outline of the vessel stretching between the mast-- and the salvage ship. The cigar or torpedo shape would probably have been much clearer at 1 ,200 ft.
It must be borne in mind that the decks of the vessel were covered with green slime and that much thick chalky water intervened. In spite of this the outline of the vessel was looming through the water.
To the right of the view is the Liverpool Salvage Association steamer, Ranger, with the diving apparatus boat moored alongside. This vessel was directly over the stern of the sunken liner, Oceana, which was lying upon grey mud, a background which favoured the obscurity of the submerged vessel. Captain Fred W. Young of the Liverpool Salvage Association was in charge of the salvage operations which have just been completed. Three-quarters of a million of bullion and a rich consignment of ivory have been recovered for the underwriters.
This key sketch shows the position of the mast and the salvage steamer, "Ranger" in relation to the known position of the hull. This position coincides with the outline of the vessel which can be distinguished above. All three phographs were obtained during tright light and a stiff breeze. There was therefore much reflection from the broken-wave surface of the sea. With a calmer sea there is no doubt that a very clearer result would have been obtained." from The Sphere - Saturday 06 July 1912
Gothland
June 1914
LSA
"At the recent annual general meeting of the Liverpool Salvage Association, James P. Rudolf, chairman, made an interesting-report of the work of the year. He said that the cases dealt with by their wrecking plant had not been very numerous, but certain of them presented somewhat interesting features. Every ease entrusted to them during the year had been brought to a successful issue.
Two of the more notable cases were the Gothland and the California. The Gothland, with a valuable cargo, struck on the Scilly Islands. The Linnet and the Ranger were promptly despatched.Within two days after the vessel stranded she was in a desperate position, practically the whole of the bottom forward having been torn away, and the heavy swell threatened to cause her to slip off the rocks, in which event she would undoubtedly have foundered.
Salving the "Gothland." From the technical report of the salving of the Gothland, it appears that this vessel of 7,660 tons, on voyage from Montreal to Rotterdam, with grain cargo, stranded on Crim Rock, Scilly Isles, on June 23, 1914. The Linnet was despatched from Southampton, and the Ranger from Holyhead, on June 24, 1914. Divers reported 57 feet of the vessel's bottom under Nos. 1 and 2 holds absolutely gone, including ballast-tanks and shell-plating, the damage reaching to the top of the lower deck, and the forepeak gone to the 20-ft. mark. As the vessel was grinding heavily and slipping towards deep water, it was decided on June 25, 1914, to close up and secure all hatches with a view to floating, and. if possible, beaching the vessel in St. Mary's. This was successfully accomplished on June 27, 1914. Part of the cargo was then discharged. All forward holds were platformed, bulkheads secured, and five air-compressors, pumps, etc., placed in position. The vessel was re-floated on July 12, 1914, and left for Southampton via Falmouth, arriving safely at Southampton on July 13, 1914." from the Canadian Shipping and Marine Engineering of Canada January- December 1915 p. 70
California
1914
"THE STRANDED LINER CALIFORNIA.
Salvage Work at Tory Island, The latest phase of the salvage work in connection with the stranded Anchor liner California was the arrival Saturday morning in Londonderry of another batch of men belonging to the Liverpool Salvage Association, who had travelled via Belfast the previous night. These men who numbered thirty, were carried by special steamer from Londonderry to the scene of the accident to join the forty men who had arrived on Friday night. Saturday morning information was received in Londonderry that the salvage operations had been carried most satisfactorily all the previous day, a coasting vessel from Glasgow receiving full cargo from the liner’s bolds and proceeding at night to the Clyde. The work was interrupted on Saturday by the stormy weather, and fears were entertained that the high seas running might have a very serious effect on the disabled liner. In the course the morning the wind veered round from cost to south-east, which is considered the safest direction from which can come, the liner is thus shielded largely the rugged rocks on Tory Island coast. The lifeboat remains standing by, and the salvage vessels are also in the vicinity." from the Belfast News-Letter - Monday 06 July 1914
The following vessels are listed in a newspaper article "SALVAGE OF SHIPS. - LIVERPOOL COMPANY'S AID TO NAVY." from the Western Morning News and Mercury, February 2, 1921 page 6 columns 2-4.
HMS Britannia
Jan 1915
"In January 1915 Britannia ran aground at Inchkeith suffering major damage." source
HMS Lion
1915
"The Battle of Dogger Bank was a naval engagement on 24 January 1915 at which the Germans put the British flagship HMS Lion out of action" source
HMS Roxburgh
1915
"She was torpedoed in mid-1915 by a German submarine and repairs took almost a year." source
HMS Argyll
1915
"28th October 1915 she ploughed into the reef and could not break free from the “Bell Rock” – also called the “Inchcape Rock” – a reef that lies some 11 miles of Scotland’s east coast, roughly in line with Dundee" source
Jan 1915
"In January 1915 Britannia ran aground at Inchkeith suffering major damage." source
HMS Lion
1915
"The Battle of Dogger Bank was a naval engagement on 24 January 1915 at which the Germans put the British flagship HMS Lion out of action" source
HMS Roxburgh
1915
"She was torpedoed in mid-1915 by a German submarine and repairs took almost a year." source
HMS Argyll
1915
"28th October 1915 she ploughed into the reef and could not break free from the “Bell Rock” – also called the “Inchcape Rock” – a reef that lies some 11 miles of Scotland’s east coast, roughly in line with Dundee" source
SS Araby
1918
"FINE SALVAGE WORK. SHIP IN HALVES BROUGHT ACROSS THE CHANNEL. interesting piece of salvage work has just been completed by the Salvage Section of the Admiralty. The steamship Araby, about 3,300 tons register, bound from Argentina with a cargo of oats, ran aground on the French coast oil December 21st, 1916. The vessel was refloated on 23rd December, and, whilst being assisted into harbour, then very busily engaged on war service, the towing hawsers parted. The forepart the steamer ran up on to one of the harbour piers, and the aiter-end on to the other pier, causing the ship to become firmly fixed fore and aft athwart the harbour entrance. A few hours later the steamer broke her back near the stokehold bulkhead. The stokehold, engine room, and No. 2 hold filled rapidly, and the water also gained access into Nos. 3 and holds. The vessel’s decks, with the exception of the poop and forecastle decks, were submerged at high water. In view of the great national interests involved, salvage operations were oommenoed immediately, the wreck being subsequently lifted partially by camels and partially by pumping, and taken up harbour. The Araby then broke in two, being lield together only by a few deck plates, etc. These plates were cut apart by oxyacetylene gas, and the two halves filling, they settled down an even keel. By January 18th, 1917, both halves were refloated and beached inside of the harbour clear of all traffic. Pending opportunity remove the two portions of the wrecks, thev were allowed to lie in this position until this summer, when the space occupied by the wreck being required urgently by the military authorities, steps were taken to remove the wreck. In the me’ant'me the two halves of the vessel had been made water-tipht by the erection of concrete bulkheads the after-end of the fore half and the fore-end of the afterhold. In July the two halves were prepared for sea. By August 15th both halves were refloated, and were towed across the Channel to repairing yard on the Thames, where preparations have been made to reconstruct the ship." from the Newcastle Journal - Thursday 24 October 1918
SS Brussels
1919
"Renamed Brugge by the Kaiserliche Marine, she was scuttled by the Germans on 28 October 1918 when they evacuated Zeebrugge.In 1918, Brugge was claimed by the Belgian government as a war prize. On 26 April 1920, she was presented to Britain. On 17 May, Brugge left Antwerp assisted by three tugs on a three-day journey to South Shields.[9] Brugge was taken to a Henry Robb's shipyard at Leith to be repaired." source
Post card from H. W. Rowland to his daughter Jennie, "this was taken at low water before we lifted her that is a dredger just behind her"
Clan Macmaster
1923
"SHIPPING CASUALTIES.
In reference to the stranding of the Clan Macmaster oft the Calf of Man, Lloyd’s Agency states that Commander Wheeler, of the salvage steamer Ranger, reports that the vessel is hard aground from forward funnel, the stern portion in deep water. If the weather holds good there is a fair prospect of floating. Lloyd’s Falmouth agent reports that the British steamer Royal Star landed yesterday three members the crew the French ketch Sainte Marie, which was sunk in collision with the Royal Star in the Channel Sunday evening. One member of the Sainte Marie's crew was drowned." from the Northern Whig - Tuesday 02 October 1923 p. 10
"Liner runs ashore
The Clan liner Clan Mac-Master (11,000 tons) bound from Glasgow to Liverpool with cargo en route for the East, ran ashore on Thousla Rock at the north entrance to the Sound between Cale Island and the Isle of Man in a dense fog. The vessel, carrying a crew of 160 was badly holed in the region of the engine room. The Port Erin lifeboat and the Castletown rocket corps, stood by, but they were not required, and the salvage boat Ranger, of Liverpool, is now attendance." from the Sheffield Independent - Tuesday 02 October 1923 p. 1
Bardic
August 1924
LSA, Ranger
"WRECKED SHIP REFLOATED.
WONDERFUL FEAT ENGINEERING.
SALVAGE WORK THE BARDIC.
The White Star liner Bardic, which went ashore at the Lizard on the night August 30, during a thick fog, was refloated yesterday afternoon. Salvage operations were entrusted to the Liverpool Salvage Association, whose salvage steamers Ranger and Trover arrived early in the month. They then set to work to lighten the steamer, and many hundreds of tons of frozen meat and bales of wool were salved and brought to Falmouth, where they were landed at the docks or taken direct to London in coasting steamers.
MANY TONS OF WATER.
Powerful pumps and apparatus for compressed air were placed on board, and everything was got in readiness for yesterday's task of refloating. is stated that the pumps were get motion early yesterday morning with such good effect that thousands of tons of water were pumped out and it was possible to relight the Bardie's fires and get steam up. About two o'clock the Falmouth tugs Triton, Victor, Dandy, and Durgan got their ropes on board and commenced towing operations. After three o'clock the liner began to move, and 3.50 she was towed from her temporary renting place.
LIST PORT.
Word then reached Falmouth that she was being taken eastwards. A later message conveyed the news that she had passed the Black Head with a heavy list to port. The Bardic passed St. Anthony Lighthouse, at the entrance to Falmouth Harbour, about six o'clock in tow the tugs. Four huge streams of water were pouring over the vessel's side, showing that the pumps were doing good work. The liner had a good list port, and after a while she was placed on the ground close to the eastern breakwater. The salvage of the liner is considered a very remarkable feat. There was scarcely person the Lizard or in Falmouth who believed that she would ever refloated, especially after the rough last week. However, the weather Saturday and yesterday was very fine. salvors took an opportunity, and were rewarded with success. Commander Kaye, the Liverpool Salvage Association, was charge of the salvage operations, and Commodore Bartlett represented the White Star Line." from the Western Morning News - Monday 29 September 1924 p. 3
West Hesseltine
1925
L&GSA, Ranger
"Salvage Triumph
After Abandonment of the ship
70 DAYS’ TASK.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning the steamer West Hesseltine arrived Dakar tow of the Liverpool and Glasgow Salvage Association’s salvage steamer Ranger. This marks the completion of a highly successful piece of salvage work.
The steamer in question, owned by the United Slates Shipping Board and operated by Messrs A. H. Bull aind Co., Inc., New York, was running in the latters regular service between the West Coast of Africa ports and New York, and whilst a voyage to New York with a very valuable cargo palm oil and mahogany, stranded the North Reef. Main Island, Cape Verdes, on June 28, 1925 (says the “Journal of Commerce.”)
The owners having advised the cargo owners and their underwriters that they considered the vessel a constructive total loss and did not propose to take any steps to salve the vessel, and this position having been brought to the notice of the Liverpool and Glasgow Salvage Association, the latter, after full consideration of the position, were able to convince the cargo underwriters that, provided adequate assistance sent out, there appeared a reasonable prospect of salving the ship and cargo.
RANGER TO THE RESCUE.
Arrangements were thereupon concluded for the despatch from Liverpool of the famous salvage steamer Ranger, in charge of Commander I. J. Kay, and this vessel, with probably the finest expert salvage personnel and equipment that has ever left this country on such a long voyage, sailed July 10, 1925, for Maio, where she arrived on July 23. The. actual salvage operations, which were a very difficult nature, extended continuously from July 23 until October 1, on which date the vessel was successfully floated. She was then towed by the Ranger to St. Vincent, a distance approximately 160 miles, temporary repairs were effected there, and the bulk of her cargo discharged into a specially chartered steamer and forwarded to New York. The vessel left St. Vincent, in tow of the Ranger the 23rd inst. and reported in our “Marine Disasters” column, she arrived safely Dakar in the early hours yesterday morning." from the Shields Daily News - Friday 30 October 1925 p.14
Gwentland
August 1927
Restorer
"The steamer Gwentland, of 2,000 tons, bound from Newport. Mon., to Antwerp with cargo steel, went ashore on the Manacles Bocks ... The salvage vessel Restorer, which has her headquarters at Falmouth, and which, is with powerful pumps. later went alongside rendered aid in keeping the water under control." from the Western Morning News - Monday 08 August 1927
SS Oliva
17 Sep 1928
L&GSA, Ranger
"The refloating of the steamer Oliva by the Liverpool and Glasgow Salvage Association, was an operation attended with exceptional danger to the salvage men by reason of the asphyxiating fumes from her cargo of benzine, and grave risk of explosion. The successful completion of the work was a splendid performance, reflecting great credit for skill and courage on all engaged in the operations."
from Deep diving and under-water rescue: IV: A few notable salvage operations, Robert H. Davis, Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, Vol. 82, No. 4269 pp. 1083-1101
"SIX TUGS FAIL TO MOVE STRANDED TANKER. Tho oil tanker Oliva, which stranded Bonnan Head, on the south end of Arran, on Monday, remains firm on the rocks. will be recalled that the Oliva, which was on voyage to Ardrossan with about tons of benzine, went on the rocks during thick weather. The crew of 30 Chinese, besides four women and boy, were safely landed under somewhat exciting circumstances owing to the state of the weather. l'ugs were rushed tho scene, but all efforts to move the ship failed. Yesterday no fewer than six tugs and the salvage steamer Ranger (of Liverpool) were standing by, but once more efforts to refloat the ship were unsuccessful, and the tugs left the scene. The salvage steamer remains by the stranded vessel." from the Dundee Evening Telegraph - Friday 21 September 1928 p.5
Celtic
December 1928
Ranger, Restorer
"THE CELTICS POSITION CARGO BEING DISCHARGED FROM STRANDED LINER
Since the stranding of the liner Celtic took place she has been most fortunate regards weaither. Yesterday conditions were excellent, there being but a slight haze from the north with smooth water.
The powerful salvage steamer Ranger, with all appliances necessary for salvage operations aboard her, arrived during Tuesday night, and she, together with the Restorer, was attendance yesterday. Divers were engaged in ascertaining the exact extent the damage. Very little change i the vessel's list had taken place.
Over 60 local men were engaged by the White Star Company to assist in discharging the cargo. They will be considerably augmented when the opportunity arises.
Commodore Bartlett, the White Star Line's chief marine superintendent; Capt. Howe; Mr. Thomas, the Salvage Company: and Mr. Dunlop, the Construction Department of Messrs. Harland and Wolff, Belfast, builders of the Celtic, were in conference aboard the stranded vessel yesterday. The experts are of opinion that the Celtic could not be in a worse but were hopeful of being able refloat the vessel following the discharge of the cargo, consisting mostly of wheat and American fruit.from the Western Morning News - Thursday 13 December 1928 p. 7
Magdala
February 1929
L&GSA, Ranger
"EFFORTS TO REFLOAT HER.
The steamer still ashore at Ailsa Craig. attempt was made yesterday refloat her, and it has been concluded that it is necessary to lighten her before any attempt to tow her off is likely to prose successful. Yesterday squad of dockers left Greenock to take part in the work shifting tho cargo. The .la holed forward, and the Liverpool salvage steamer Ranger has arrived on the scene with pumps One of the Clyda Shipping Co.'s lugs is also standing by. It may take two days lighten the vessel suffficiently to enable an effort to be made to tow her off. from the Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 26 February 1929 p.11
Highland Pride
September 1929
Restorer
"FALMOUTH TUG IN ATTEMPT TO SALVAGE LINER
The Liverpool Salvage Company's salvage steamer Restorer, which is stationed at Falmouth, left Falmouth for Vigo, to help in the salvage operations on the stranded liner Highland Pride.
A Lloyd's Vigo message states that the Highland Pride has now broken amidships, and unlikely that she will last long." from the Western Morning News - Wednesday 11 September 1929
Highland Hope
November 1930
Restorer
"LISBON, Thursday. Messages received from Peniche this morning state that the Highland Hope is at present only half submerged....The Liverpool and Glasgow salvage steamer Restorer left Falmouth yesterday for the wreck." from the Western Morning News - Friday 21 November 1930
Uribitarte
February 1931
Ranger
"A severe gale was experienced in the Irish Channel, reaching times hurricane force, accompanied by tempestuous seas. Cross-Channel steamers experienced trying time. The Spanish steamer Uribitarte, of Bilbao, was in difficulties outside Holyhead breakwater. In response to signals of distress the motor lifeboats was called out, and after a rough passage reached the vessel. The Liverpool salvage steamer Ranger, also rushed to her assistance. The Uribitarte was brought to safety with great difficulty." from the Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 02 February 1931 p. 2
Benmohr
February 1931
Restorer
"PUMPING BENMOHR DRY ATTEMPT TO TOW SHIP CLEAR ON SPRING TIDES
Two six-inch salvage pumps from the Liverpool Salvage Association's tug Restorer—now harboured at Dartmouth-yesterday morning were belching water from the holds of the Benmohr, which lies fast on the rocks at Prawle Point.
Divers were busy also examining the internal damage to the Benmohr's bottom, which suffered through the ship bumping heavily on the rocks during the gale on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday last.
The Benmohr rocked badly beneath the stress of Saturday night's bad weather. On Monday the divers made a thorough examination the external plates of the vessel.
Yesterday morning the Benmohr was riding happily after a quiet night, with the captain and five the crew who remained on board.
If the report of the divers is favourable, and there does not appear to be possibility the Benmohr ripping off her bottom, it is probable that an attempt will be made to tow the Benmohr clear at the end of the week. Spring tides will give large amount of extra water on Friday and Saturday." from the Western Morning News - Wednesday 04 March 1931
from Jane T Rowland's (daughter of H.W. Rowland) photographic albumThe Duke of Lancaster
December 1931
Ranger
"THE SUNKEN MAIL BOAT. BIG TASK OF RAISING THE DUKE OF LANCASTER. THRILLING SCENES IN NEYSHAM HARBOUR. EIGHT-INCH STEEL HAWSER SNAPS AND ENDS TO-DAY'S EFFORT.
The creak of mighty hawsers strained to breaking point and the rending crash of woodwork were stern accompaniments to a battle waged against the tide by the salvage engineers at Heysham Harbour, this morning, when an attempt was made to raise the L.M.S. Royal Mail steamer Duke of Lancaster, which sank following a devastating fire aboard her nearly a fortnight ago. Secured Sin. flexible steel hawsers to lifting eanels pontoons alongside her, and dragged the tug Wyvern and the salvage ship Ranger, the Duke of Lancaster responded but sluggishly to the immense effoi-ts made lift her. Out in mid-harbour the towing ships pulled mightily with weight of foam astern as their engines revolved frantically." from the Lancashire Evening Post - Thursday 10 December 1931 p. 3
Roumelian
May 1932
Restorer
"DAMAGED SHIP OFF DOVER. CAPTAIN MISSING.
Wednesday evening the Ellerman cargo steamer 'Roumelian' passed Dover in tow of the tug 'New Gamecock,' with the salvage steamer Restorer in attendance. The steamer was in collision ten days ago off the Needles with the French steamer "St. Nazaire," in a dense fog. The 'Restorer' came into the Outer Harbour, but only remained for very short time, and then followed the Roumelian, which was bound for the Thames. The vessels arrived Tilbury early on Thursday, and reported that the captain, William Elliott, of Liverpool, had been missed during the night, and was believed to have fallen overboard." from the Dover Express - Friday 27 May 1932
Emilia
March 1933
Restorer
EXPERTS BEATEN SALVAGE OF TUG AT PLYMOUTH Efforts by salvage experts early yesterday morning to refloat the tug Emilia, stranded on Plymouth Breakwater, succeeded in moving the vessel only few inches. Weather conditions yesterday were admirable, the plan being to haul Emilia clear of the slope of the Breakwater by means ground tackle attached to a kedge anchor. The salvage vessel Restorer left for the Breakwater soon after daybreak, but at 7.20 a.m., when the Breakwater was awash, there was not enough water the vicinity of the Emilia for the experts, and at 8 o'cilock efforts were abandoned. Last, evening it was stated that further salvage operations had been deferred until this morning. It is high water at 7.49 a.m. to-day, when the tide, under normal conditions, will the highest for the week. The tide is expected attain a height 16ft. 4in. Yesterday it is doubtful it reached 16ft. 2in. from the Western Morning News - Wednesday 15 March 1933
ROSABELLE
July 1934
Restorer
"THE S.S. ROSABELLE RE-FLOATED
A fine example of salvage work wa3 performed off the Manacle Rocks on Monday night when the British coasting steamer, Rosabelle, which went ' ashore last week, was lifted off and refloated. Pumping had been going on sinoe Friday, and on Monday a hawser was put on board from the salvage ship Restorer, and the Rosabelle was towed off. Instead of making for Falmouth she was beached at Mill Beach, Coverack, At low tide the Rosabelle will be practically high and dry, so that the work of effecting temporary repairs should not take long." from the Cornishman - Thursday 19 July 1934
Nelly
1937
Ranger
"STEAMER TURNS TURTLE CREW PICKED UP IN LIFEBOAT
Accident During Thick Fog
The Liverpool salvage steamer Ranger rescued the captain and crew of nine from a Belgian steamer which turned turtle at Lundy Island. The crew were picked up by the Ranger after taking to their lifeboat. They were taken to Ilfracombe. The Nelly was bound from Antwerp to Llanelly with a load of scrap iron when she struck Lundy Island.
The crew will leave to-night for Cardiff, where they will see the Belgian consul.
The Ranger was engaged salvaging the wreck of an Italian vessel. She has been Lundy Island for some time, and when she put into Ilfracombe the piermaster wondered why, until the Ranger's captain walked into his office and said, have just salved ten shipwrecked Belgian sailors, so we'll have to take care of them."
The sailors were from a small Belgian motorship, the Nelly (530 tons), of Antwerp, was built this year. They said that the vessel had turned turtle off Lundy Island, and they had taken to the lifeboat. They were picked up by the Ranger. The accident happened during the thick fog, and only one man has saved his belongings. from the Dundee Evening Telegraph - Tuesday 13 July 1937 p. 4
HMS Thetis
July 1939
Ranger
"ZELO RETURNS TO THETIS SALVAGE
Following repairs of damage caused by gale in Liverpool Bay last Thursday, the salvage steamship Zelo, specially chartered for raising the sunken submarine Thetis, left Messrs. Cammell Laird’s basin, Birkenhead, last night, and returned to the scene of the salvage in Liverpool Bay, where she joined the Admiralty diving ship, Tedworth, and the salvage steamship Ranger. The Zelo had her fore and aft bollards cracked during the gale Special bollards were cast and the ship strengthened. Powerful winches, which will wind the nine inch cables that are being used in the salvage, were installed over the week-end." from the Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 12 July 1939 p. 10
"The deck of the Zelo with hundreds of tons timber to strengthen her and huge baulks of wood across her decks to support the Thetis."
"One of the 9-inch cables to be used for lifting the Thetis." from the Daily Record - Wednesday 28 June 1939
"Thetis salvage operations. An aerial photograph of the salvage steamer Ranger and the Glasgow tug Flying Kite, in Red Wharf Bay". from the Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 03 July 1939
"Zelo Over the Thetis Wreck
FOLLOWING A change in the weather in Liverpool Bay the 3,000-ton salvage vessel Zelo was moored over the wreck of the sunken submarine Thetis by the salvage steamer Ranger to-day.
The Liverpool and Glasgow Salvage Association, who are in full charge of the salvaging operations, issued this official statement on the position at their Liverpool offices to-day :
'No work has been possible on the salvage operations of the submarine Thetis over the week-end because of strong westerly and north-westerly winds and rough seas.
This morning the wind is light westerly and the Zelo is being moored over the wreck by the salvage steamer Ranger.'
Other vessels assisting on the scene of the wreck include the minesweepers Hebe and Speedy, the tug Flying Kite, and an Admiralty diving vessel. They have been obliged to take shelter in Moelfre during the recent bad weather.
Soundings have been taken along the entire coast of Red Wharf Bay with the object of finding a suitable spot to run the Thetis on the beach. When the submarine has been beached a large section of the foreshore will be enclosed to ensure privacy for the men working on her. If all goes well it will -take ten days from the first lift to the actual beaching." from the Manchester Evening News - Monday 03 July 1939
"SALVING THE THETIS
THE ZELO RETURNS TO LIVERPOOL BAY
After being four days in dock for repairs, the specially chartered steamship Zelo left Messsr. Cammell Laird and Company’s private basin, Birkenhead, last night to resume her work in connection with the raising of the sunken submarine, H.M.S. Thetis.
The Zelo, which has been fitted and strengthened to take the strain of lifting the submarine, was damaged during the storm in Liverpool Bay—at the bottom of which the Thetis rests—early on Friday morning when her fore and aft bollards, to which were attached her riding anchors, were damaged. She returned to the Mersey on Friday afternoon and was docked at Messrs. Cammell Laird’s early on Saturday morning.
An examination of the bollards revealed ominous cracks and the necessity of replacing them. Special bollards were cast and in addition the beds on which they rest were strengthened. Powerful winches which will wind in the nine-inch cables by which the vessel will be raised, have been installed on board during the time she has been at Birkenhead.
The Zelo left the wet basin of the shipyard on the evening tide, entering the Mersey just after half past six o’clock. She immediately sailed away down stream towards Liverpool Bay rejoin the Admiralty diving ship Tedworth and the salvage steamer Ranger, which left the Mersey early yesterday morning to resume the work of salvage. Thirteen divers are engaged on the work in relays.
The salvage work is in the hands of the Liverpool and Glasgow Salvage Association which announced yesterday that the salvage steamer Ranger and his Majesty’s diving ship Tedworth proceeded to the Thetis at 5.30 a.m. for the purpose of relaying heavy ground moorings and passing reeving wires under the submarine. The Tedworth reported that she moored over the submarine at 9 a.m. yesterday, and that weather conditions were good." from the Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 12 July 1939 col.7
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Tuesday 24 October 1939
"THETIS SAILS AGAIN
Conclusion of Most Difficult Salvage Feat
Forthe first time since, more than twenty weeks ago, she plunged to her doom in Liverpool Bay, taking to death ninety-nine men, the submarine Thetis yesterday rose on an even keel.
This marked the culmination of one of the most difficult salvage feats in maritime history.
Wild weather, powerful tides, an the dead weight tons of water in the wrecked vessel, contested for weeks with the salvage workers The first effort to raise failed, but the work went on; not even e outbreak of war stopped it.
In a cradle of hawsers the submarine was slowly moved inshore, and at low tife sixty-five bodies were removed.
Twice on Sunday the submarine appeared without the stern rising, but during the night divers worked unceasingly pumping compressed air into the hull. Yesterday afternoon she slowly rose above the waves about a mile from the shore, her bridge and one remaining periscope being clearly visible.
The first man to go on board Lieutenant-Commander Mills, one of the Admiralty officials on the salvage boat Ranger.
Later a hawser was attached to the submarine, and it was gently towed for three-quarters of a mile inshore, to be beached at Traeth Bychan. There will now be thorough examination of the vessel in an endeavour to find the cause of the disaster. The thirty-four bodies still inside the submarine will removed after the beaching operations have been completed. from the Aberdeen Press and Journal - Tuesday 24 October 1939