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Archiver > AYRSHIRE > 2000-02 > 0949504708


From: Alan Money <>
Subject: Re: A list of Captains on the Clyde
Date: Wed, 02 Feb 2000 08:18:28 -0700


Hi Tim,
Thanks for the history. I'm trying to find histories on the coal mines and also I'm
searching for info on those that left Northern Ireland for Scotland during the potato famine
years. I've heard of those ships that carried the Irish to America but any books or info on
those that went to Scotland?
Sandy Money

Tim Millar wrote:

> Dear Irene,
>
> Thanks for posting that list of Clyde ships' masters. I think I can add something here. Your
> _______McInnes was Duncan MacInnes and he was the Master of the COMET II when it collided
> with the steamship AYER. The COMET sank bow first, in 3 minutes, only 165 yards from shore,
> into 18 fathoms of water near Kempoch Point off Gourock on 21 October 1825 towards the end
> of a voyage from Inverness to Glasgow. There were nearly 70 lives lost.
>
> The Master and Pilot, Peter McBride, were charged with "Culpable, Negligent and Reckless
> Command, Charge and Steering of a Steam-Boat" and failing to carry lights after dark.
> Defects in the verdict, however, led to the quashing of the sentence and liberation of the
> accused.
>
> Among the passengers that night was my great great grandmother Janet McKay Millar, of
> Barrhead, who survived but lost her daughter, 2 year-old Susan. Janet, wife of James Millar,
> had probably taken the little girl to visit her family at Kincardine, Rossshire. Their son
> Robert, born the next year was my great grandfather.
>
> I have a lot of material on the accident, but have not seen your book. Is there mention of
> the COMET II?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Tim Millar
> Cape Cod, Massachusetts
>
> > When I saw Murray Reid's posting about a ferry master on the Clyde I fetched
> > my copy of "The Clyde Passenger Steamer" ..its rise and progress during the
> > 19th century from the "Comet" of 1812 to the "King Edward "of 1901
> > This book was written by Captain James Williamson and was published in 1904

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