The iron steamship The Viscount was launched from the Merksworth yard of J Fullerton and Co Ltd (Yard No 107) on 26th August 1892. She measured 142.2′ x 25.2′ x 15.1′ and her tonnage was 383 gross tons, 151 net tons. She was powered by a compound steam engine by Muir and Houston Ltd of Glasgow delivering 51 nominal horse power. Ordered by John Hay of Glasgow, who was to own the vessel for it’s entire career, she was first registered there on 15h September 1892.
Lloyd’s register 1924
On 17th February 1924, as she was en route from Aberdeen to Swansea with a cargo of oats, she was wrecked near the entrance to Loch Torridon. The details surrounding the loss are not recorded but the crew are reported safe ashore and, indeed, returned to their stranded vessel on a local fishing boat to attempt to recover their private belongings. Presumably some attempt was made to recover the vessel but it appears that she slipped off the rocks where she struck and was lost as the registry was closed only weeks later on 13th March.
Liverpool Journal 19th February
Lloyd’s Casualty Returns 1924
The story of the wreck remained a mystery and uncertain until an expedition by the SAMPHIRE (Scottish Atlantic Maritime Past: Heritage Investigation Research and Investigation) team in 2013 explored the area. Following extensive interviews with local fisherman and scallop divers a site was explored on the north side of Murchadh Breac, Loch Torridon and the wreck of an unknown steamship was revealed. It is not certain this is the wreck of The Viscount but the location of the wreckage makes it highly likely. There are two reefs close to Murchadh Breac as viewed from the north-east. The wreckage is in the shallows on the north side of the northernmost reef. There are remains of the engine and boiler as well as other related debris running down the slope. She lies in approximate position 57° 35.006’N 05° 50.426’W.
