The iron steamship Vivo was launched from the North Shields yard of T and W Smith Ltd (Yard No 84) on 7th July 1883. She measured 240.9′ x 34.3′ x 13.6′ and her tonnage was 1139 gross tons, 754 net tons. She was powered by a compound steam engine by Hawks Crayshaw and Sons Ltd., Gateshead delivering 140 nominal horse power. She was built to the order of R B Fenwick and Co. Ltd., Newcastle. Her official number was 88740.
Lloyds register 1890
On 12th December 1890 Vivo was en route from her home port to Dublin with a cargo of 1500 tons of coal for her owners when she encountered dense fog off Tiree. Lost in almost zero visibility she ran ashore near Balevullin at Traigh Bail-a-Mhuilinn, Tiree. The weather was calm at the time she went ashore and the crew were easily able to make their way ashore but the ship was destined to be a total loss. It is almost certain that much of her cargo was salved and the ship herself was substantially dismantled where she lay.
The only remains on the wreck site is a portion of the engines with one massive crankshaft lying in the shallows on the south side of the beautiful sandy bay at Balevullin in approximate position 56° 31.348′ N, 006° 57.516′ W. At low tide this small piece of wreckage is visible above water. At high water it makes an enjoyable short snorkel with the rusting old engine silhouetted against the gleaming white sand of the bay. It is very exposed from the west and the north.
Wreckage of steamship Vivo, Tiree
