The steel motor vessel Polperro was launched from the Bristol yard of C S Hill (Yard No 352) on 10th August 1948. She measured 225.9′ x 34.1′ x 14.1′ and her tonnage was 1130 gross tons, 597 net tons. She was powered by a diesel engine, single screw by British Polar Engines Ltd. delivering 1000 brake horse power. Owned by Polpen Shipping Company she was quickly sold to Galbraith, Pembroke and Co Ltd of Leith who renamed her Benveg in early 1950. At this time she was chartered to the Ben Line Steamers Ltd of Leith and the curious rapid changes in ownership continued when the Ben Line Steamers acquired her in July 1951. Only two months later she was sold one last time to James Fisher and Sons Ltd, Barrow who were to operate her until her loss in 1957, as the Sound Fisher.
Sound Fisher leaving harbour
Lloyds register 1957
She departed from Lyness, Orkney bound for Ghent with a cargo of scrap metal at 2:00am on Sunday 13th January, 1957. She had a crew of 14 aboard under the command of Captain William Manderson. Shortly after leaving port she developed a list to port as some of her cargo moved but, at this stage, there was little concern among the crew and the ship continued on its voyage south. However, only three hours later, when off Wick with the majority of her crew asleep in their berths, another movement in the cargo caused her to lurch seriously again. Now her port handrail was under water and it was obvious the ship and the crew, with water pouring into the cabins below, were in a serious position. Distress flares were fired and answered by a number of trawlers operating in the area. The closest trawlers, the Woodburn and the Dulcibelle quickly arrived on the scene and stood by to give assistance. The Wick lifeboat, City of Edinburgh, was also launched when they picked up the SOS radio message broadcast around 5:00am by the Sound Fisher and headed for the area.
The captain became increasingly concerned as the ship rolled in the heavy swell generated by the stiff north easterly wind blowing at the time. He ordered the crew to abandon ship. The port lifeboat was lowered with six men aboard but became entangled and in danger of being crushed between the Sound Fisher and the Woodburn which had drawn alongside to take the men off. The captain climbed aboard and tried to free the lifeboat but as soon as he managed this it was swept away. Thankfully the Dulcibelle was also standing by and picked them up without any further incident. Meanwhile the Woodburn had rigged up a breeches buoy and was able to safely transfer the remaining crew members. When the City of Edinburgh arrived the rescue had already been completed so their services were not required. This happy ending was almost ruined when one of the lifeboat’s crew was washed over board as they turned for home but thankfully he was safely plucked out of the sea by his fellow crew members and they returned safely to port. A few hours later the Sound Fisher turned turtle and sank.
Morecombe Guardian 18th January
The wreck of the Sound Fisher lies where she foundered some 4 miles south east of Wick in position 58° 24.430’N, 02° 56.989’W oriented 120/300 degrees. She lies in 67 metres with a least clerance of 57 metres. The wreck is basically in tact although the back is broken forward of the rear superstructure. Forward of this the wreck sits upright with the stern section taking on a thirty degree list to port. Much of the superstructure is still visible and encrusted with sealife.
