Launched from the yard of J. Fullerton & Company of Paisley (Yard No.157) on 22nd October 1900 the rear engined coaster Truda measured 142.5′ x 23.6′ x 10.0′ and her tonnage was 349 gross tons, 105 net tons. She was powered by a 2 cylinder compound steam engine by W. V. V. Lidgerwood of Coatbridge delivering 63 registered horse power. She had been built to the order of William E. Gilmour of Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, and was managed by William Smith in Glasgow. The vessels official number was 113921.
Lloyds register 1903
In late February 1903 a series of storms swept across Great Britain causing much damage to infrastructure, transport and loss of life. The most ferocious of these, quoted in the national press as being of ‘exceptional violence’ passed through on Friday 26th February 1903 and the Solway Firth was to feature with the tragic loss of a steamer and four of her crew.
The Truda was wrecked on Barlocco Island, Kirkcudbright during the height of the storm which was recorded blowing at storm force across the Irish Sea and Solway Firth. The vessel, in ballast, had departed from Whitehaven for Port Talbot fully a week earlier but, owing to stormy weather, had made for Ramsey Bay, Isle of Man for shelter. She left Ramsey on the evening of 25th and encountered the full force of the storm. Captain MacLeod tried to make for Kirkcudbright Bay but could not get a bearing or even see the Ross Light and was driven further north and, with limited steerage, onto Barlocco Island.
Truda well ashore on Barlocco Island
People watching from land could see a steamer offshore and sent a telegram to request the assistance of the Kirkcudbright lifeboat but, owing to the sea state, it could not leave port. A message was then sent to Whithorn which was better placed to make an attempt at a rescue. Their lifeboat was immediately launched and the crew rowed across to the casualty in unimaginable sea conditions. The sea state prevented them getting alongside the Truda and, after making multiple attempts, they were finally exhausted. A group of five local men bravely set out in a large yawl from the Kirkcudbright shore which was partly protected by the rocks around the island. They were able to make a gallant rescue of the five crew remaining aboard. It was later confirmed that four of the crew had been drowned. The crew saved were – Captain MacLeod; A. Henderson, Ardnamurchan, first mate; George Wright, London, fireman; Hugh McCartney, Carnlough, sailor; and George Spencer of Hull, fireman.
The survivors were taken to Kirkcudbright where they were looked after by Mr Muir of the Shipwrecked Mariners Society. The bodies of two of the drowned crewmen were recovered the following day. A gravestone can be found in Kirkandrews Old Kirkyard few kilometres from Barlocco Island which was provided by the parishioners of Borgue, in memory of Thomas Brown, James Duffy, Albert Gough, and Frank White, who lost their lives on the wreck on Barlocca Island on 26th February 1903.
Gravestone for the four drowned crewmen in Kirkandrews Old Kirk
The Truda was written off as a constructive total loss and the vessel put up for auction which was held in Glasgow on Thursday 19th March 1903. We are not aware of the outcome but it is likely the wreck was sold and dismantled in-situ. Any wreckage on the outer southern side of Barlocco Island in approximate position 54° 48.389’N 04° 12.708’W may well be the remains of the Truda.
For their bravery and saving the lives of the five crew aboard the Truda the RNLI made a financial award of £7 – 5s to the eleven men from Kirkcudbright who, on hearing of the wreck, transported their boat over two miles and launched at Fleet Bay. Five of their number set off and successfully made the rescue. A letter of thanks also went to a Mr Douglas who lent a horse and cart to aid transport of the boat and men.
