Birker

Official Number 70475

The Birker was a full-rigged ship built by the Barrow Shipbuilding Company. She was launched on the 8th April 1875, Yard No. 22, for John Henry Bushby.

The Birker was lost on the 27th June 1895. She struck rocks when leaving the bay at Isla de los Lobos, Tierra del Fuego. She had loaded a cargo of guano, and was bound for Europe. All aboard were saved.

Sources :

1. "Portrait of a Shipbuilder: Barrow-Built Vessels since 1873", ed. Nigel Harris ISBN 0 947971 32 7 (published 1989)
2. Record of American and Foreign Shipping 1885 - names master as Capt.Scowcroft, owners as Shaw, Bushby & Co.
3. Record of American and Foreign Shipping, 1890 - names master as Capt.H.Lightbody, owner as Shaw, Bushby & Co. - the vessel had by this time been reduced to barque rig.
4. Record of American and Foreign Shipping, 1895 - names master as Capt.A.Sampson, owner as J.H.Bushby & Co.
5. Wreck reported in the Glasgow Herald,  2nd July 1895 and Belfast News-Letter, 3rd July 1895.