South Tyneside History
| Title | S.S. Milwaukee |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | STH0014635 |
| Photographer | Philip Robson |
| Town or Village | River Tyne |
| Date | 1890 |
| Original Format | Black and White Photograph |
| Period | c1890s |
| Copyright | South Tyneside Libraries |
| Further Information | In 1898, while on a run from the Tyne to New Orleans, the Milwaukee went ashore at Port Errol and was locked in place on the rocks and it was impossible to float her. It was decided to divided her by placing a belt of Dynamite Cartridges around the shell at suitable places and after several explosions a complete division was made. The Milwaukee had been so strongly constructed that it took 3,350 lbs. of Dynamite to cut her asunder. The aft end, extending from just before the forward-end of the Navigating Bridge, was not only safely floated, but towed with the bulkhead foremost (the tugs being assisted by the ships own engines) to the Tyne and moored there until a new Bow - end had been built, launched and attached. The work of dry - docking the two parts and placing them in their position was carried out by 'Tyne Pontoons & Dry Docks' of Wallsend. They eventually amalgamated with Messrs. Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson ltd. On completion there was only a difference of six tons in her gross tonnage from what it had been originally. |
