The steel steamship Saint Rognvald was launched from the Aberdeen yard of Hall Russell and Co Ltd (Yard No 231) on 6th June 1883. She measured 240.8′ x 31.3′ x 15.4′ and her tonnage was 1053 gross tons, 606 net tons. She was powered by a compound steam engine by Hall Russell delivering 279 net horse power. Ordered by the North of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland Steam Navigation Co Ltd of Aberdeen she operated from that port serving the routes between the east cost of Scotland and the Northern Isles for her total career. Her official number was 84373.
Saint Rognvald under way
Lloyd’s register 1900
In March 1881 while en route from Lerwick to Kirkwall under the command of Captain John Masson she encountered a thick snow shower which resulted in a navigation error and the stranding of the steamer at 4am that morning a little south of the Head of Work on the south Side of Shapinsay Sound near the entrance to Kirkwall. On this occasion, after the safe evacuation of the passengers, the ship was safely pumped clear of water and refloated a few days later to be repaired and returned to service.
Builder’s profile plan Saint Rognvald
On the second occasion she was not to be so lucky. On 24th April 1900 again on a voyage from Lerwick to Kirkwall under the command of Captain Masson she was to run aground once again and this time she was to become a total wreck. She had departed from Lerwick at 7:45pm on the 23rd heading for Kirkwall with 70 passengers, a full cargo and 36 crew aboard. As she steamed south at full speed she passed Fair Isle and her course was adjusted slightly to head towards North Ronaldsay – the light on this island was observed off their starboard bow at 12:50am. At this point the clear night visibility began to deteriorate as a fog set in. so much so, that the light was obscured as they passed to the east. From that point on no further sightings of the lights at Start Point and Auskerry, which should have been visible and used to re-establish their exact position, were possible As concern increased and the fog continued to thicken the first officer, who had been in charge on the bridge, recalled the master from his bunk. However, before the master reached the bridge, the loud screeching of seabirds close by alerted the crew to their danger but, before any effective action could be taken, land appeared directly ahead and thirty seconds later the Saint Rognvald ran hard aground. Thankfully the sea was calm and, with some difficulty due to a heavy list to starboard, four lifeboats were lowered and the passengers safely disembarked.
Saint Rognvald stranded at Brough of Burgh Head, Stronsay
As day dawned it showed that she had run aground at Burgh Head, Stronsay some six or seven miles from their intended position. At the subsequent enquiry the first officer was held responsible fort he loss of the ship by failing to take due precautions as the visibility decreased in the thickening fog continuing to run the ship at full speed despite the growing uncertainty about her exact position. His certificate was suspended for three months.
The Saint Rognvald became a total wreck. Presumably some degree of salvage took place a later date but there are reports that some broken scattered wreckage exists in shallow water in a position estimated as 59° 05.600’N, 002° 31.439’W.
Dundee Courier 25th April
