Godmunding

The steel steamship Godmunding was launched from the yard of Blyth Shipbl’d’g and DD Co Ltd. (Yard No 55) on 13th January 1888.  She measured 242.0′ x 33.0′ x 16.5′ and her tonnage was 1318 gross tons, 850 net tons.  She was powered by a triple expansion steam engine by NE Marine Engine Co Ltd., Newcastle delivering 150 registered horse power.  Ordered by Mr T B Williams (W Lamplough managers), London she entered service later that year.  She was purchased by the Godmunding Steamship Company (W Cory and Son Ltd.), London in 1891.

Around 10:30am on Saturday 14th May, 1898 the Glasgow and South Western Railway Company steamer Viceroy, en route from Millport to Kilchatten, collided with Godmunding about two miles north of Little Cumbrae Lighthouse. The Godmunding was inward bound from Cadiz with a cargo of iron ore and empty wine casks. Though severely damaged on her starboard quarter she was successfully beached four hundred yards east of Kilchatten Pier. No one was injured and the
eighteen crew, including Captain T Old, landed safely at Kilchatten.

Recovery operations by the Glasgow Salvage Company commenced almost immediately resulting in the vessel being substantially salved in situ over subsequent months. Her hull was finally refloated and removed in October that year. The owners took the GSW Railway Company to court suing for damages but, before the case was concluded the Godmunding Steamship Company went into voluntary liquidation in December of 1898. The following January the First Division of the Court of Session upheld the claim for damages and awarded £1586 3s 2d to the claimants for cargo and vessel.