Two amateur divers who have recovered the ship’s bell from the Fleetwood registered steam-trawler Merisia, which sank in Bulgham Bay during January 1940, are hoping that it will be housed at Ramsey RNLI Lifeboat Station as a lasting memorial and tribute to the vessel’s heroic fishing crew who lost their lives in the tragedy and also to all involved in the saving of lives at sea. The two divers, who are also volunteer lifeboat crew with Ramsey’s RNLI lifeboat, the Ann and James Ritchie, are Michelle Stewardson, a qualified diving instructor, and Andy Walton.
Michelle takes up the story: “It was Andy’s first open water dive after gaining his open water qualification and we were diving on the wreck of the Merisia, which sank in January 1940. We came across the bell, encrusted but very definitely a bell. When diving it is extremely rare to find a ships bell and to say that Andy was amazed, excited and totally overwhelmed at the discovery is probably an understatement.”
Michelle continues, “The Merisia was part of the Fleetwood fishing fleet and was on passage from Fleetwood to the Isle of Man when she became overwhelmed by appalling weather conditions and grounded on rocks in Bulgham Bay. All twelve of her crew lost their lives.
“Enduring atrocious conditions and poor visibility the Ramsey Rocket Brigade toiled from the shore for more than six hours in an attempt to rescue the distressed trawlermen.
“Ramsey’s lifeboat, the Lady Harrison, was unable to launch into the raging south-easterly gale and blizzard conditions that night. The Douglas lifeboat was out of commission. Port St Mary lifeboat was launched and made its way up the east coast in heavy seas. Sadly, by the time it reached the stricken vessel no survivors were to be found.
“It seems ironic that whilst in Fleetwood on the previous day the crew of the Merisia had been hailed as heroes and received an award for their part in saving the lives of eight Dutch seamen in October 1939.
“As active crew members of the RNLI at Ramsey Lifeboat Station Andy and I find this a particularly poignant tale. The Rocket Brigade and lifeboat crews would have been absolutely devastated at being unable to save the lives of those men. The grandson of Tommy Harrison, one of Merisia’s crew who perished that fateful day, actually lives on the Island and is in contact with me. The family moved here from Fleetwood sometime after the disaster. We have reported the find to the Receiver of Wrecks but are very much hoping that we will be allowed to donate the bell to Ramsey Lifeboat Station as a lasting tribute to Merisia’s brave crew and to all those involved in saving lives at sea.”
- Ends -
Tuesday 3rd, May 2011 11:28pm.
