The wooden barque barque Harmonie was launched in the Finnish city of Rauma in 1860 built for an unknown Finnish owner. She measured 125.0′ x 27.0′ x 14.4′ and her tonnage was 320 net tons. She was sold to Jacob Christophersen and A J Freberg and Co of Sandefjord, Norway in 1873 before Freberg took sole ownership of the vessel in 1889.
On 26th January 1890, skippered by Captain T Christiansen with a crew of nine men, she was homeward bound in ballast from Liverpool. As she approached the island of Coll the weather, which until this point was blowing a gale from the south west, increased to a hurricane. She was quickly disabled and was driven ashore on Gorten beach, Coll late that night. The villagers of Gorten awoke to find the ship high up on the beach but unfortunately were unable to render any assistance as the storm still raged and the huge waves were breaking over the stranded ship. They could see the terrified crew huddled for shelter at the forecastle head but could only watch and hope that the ship could stand up to the pounding until the tide receded. Two of the men from the ship attempted to make the shore in a small boat but it was quickly overturned and one of then was drowned. The other managed to reach the shore by clinging to one of the oars until he floated within reach of the waiting islanders. The remaining crewmen including Captain Christainsen were able to walk ashore at low tide, cold and exhausted but otherwise unhurt.
Oban Times 1st February
The rotting remains of the Harmonie are still visible, lying half buried in the sands of Loch Gorten in approximate position 56° 35.186’N, 06° 36.133’W . She dries out at low tide and is only partially submerged at high tide.
Wreck site
