PS Chancellor

A corporate director on board, allegedly went against the advice of the captain and stationed the paddle steamer Chancellor at the partially constructed East Harbour Pier during a lowering tide.

As the tide ebbed the ship came to rest on Lion Rock causing a hull breach, this led to flodding as the tide turned and repairs could not be carried out in time and before she could be refloated, she turned broadside to the beach and broke her back, becoming a total loss.

She had only crossed to Ventnor twice prior to this trip.

• Solent Passages and their Steamers by Ken Davis
• Memories of the Island Railways by John Mackett