| 1970-02-06: |
Final Fate:
Kort na vertrek met een lading staal van een haven aan de Tees bestemd voor Cork, gekapseisd en gezonken in de monding van de Tees, 1 mijl ten oosten van Tees Fairway-boei. Alle tien opvarenden verloren het leven. Op 24 februari gelicht door Risdon, Beazly en naar Middlesborough gesleept. Voor de sloop verkocht aan Cramlington & District Metals Ltd die haar in het voorjaar van 1970 doorverkochten aan Michael Baum & Co. Ltd. Gesloopt te Middlesborough door Tees Marine Services Ltd.
Leeuwarder courant 07-02-1970: Schotse kustvaarder gezonken. De 552 ton metende Schotse kustvaarder „Lairdsfield" is gisteren aan de noordoostkust van Engeland gezonken, het schip had tien mensen aan boord, die vermoedelijk zijn verdronken.
When she was refloated by Risdon, Beazley Ltd. using Ulrich Harms - MAGNUS III, two weeks after sinking, sadly only three bodies were recovered. As Fred says it seems she did trade again even though she had been declared a constructive total loss, as she was dry docked and sold on before being broken up some time later. The Court of Inquiry published April 1971 on her loss, decided that the loss was due to the improper loading and stowage of the cargo of steel plate and hollow steel columns. Leading to inadequate stability. Fault was found with the loading of 254 tons of steel plates on deck, it being claimed that this move " defied common sence to any person with a rudimentary knowledge of ship stability or practical experience in loading cargoes". The plates were loaed thus because the charterers wanted them off-loaded first at Cork. It was however stated that the ship was well-maintained and that the crew included three experienced and well-qualifed deck officers, but the owners were criticised for not ensuring that the latest stability daa were posted on board the ship, and the old data removed.. The charterers were severely censured and ordered to contribute £3,000 toward the cost of the inquiry. Burns and Laird were also ordered to pay £750 toward costs. The master of the ship was named as Captain R.W.Purvis. May he and his nine crew men rest in peace... |
