Clairmont

On January 27, 1881, the Claremont SS, a 668-ton ship carrying copper and iron ore from Vallerigan to Middlesbrough, and its crew of 19, became aground on the rocks and ledge near Whale Chine on the island’s South West coast.

A boat was launched by the crew, and the Brighstone Lifeboat, the “Worcester Cadet,” coxed by Moses Munt, rescued the Mate and five other crew members. The Captain remained on board, and the remainder of the crew was rescued. The following day, the tug Victoria from Cowes attempted to re-float the Claremont, but they ultimately had to give up and she sank for good.

The sad news of the loss was publised within hours.

• http://backofthewight.co.uk/clairmont.htm
• http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?10860

•     Back of the Wight – Fred Mew
•    Shipwrecks of the Wight – J.C.Medland
•    Shipwrecks of The Isle of Wight – Ken Phillips
•    The Lifeboats of Brighstone Bay – Christopher J. Willis and Edward H. Roberts