Dred

Official Number 35174

The Dred was a brigantine built  in 1857. In 1865 the Dred was registered at Maryport, owned by Robert Beatty and commanded by Capt.J.Wilson (see Source 1).

From the "Cumberland Pacquet and Ware's Whitehaven Advertiser", Tuesday, 7th November 1865, page 8:

" The Dred, Wilson, of Maryport, which sailed from Liverpool for Archangel on the 3rd September, arrived at Leith on the 1st inst., having made the entire voyage out and home again in 58 days, being one of the most remarkable voyages on record - indeed several days shorter than many of the Archangel ships have been on their passage home only. This vessel has made two voyages to Archangel, and delivered a cargo of salt at North Cape in the space of 5 months."

" JERSEY, Jan.13. - On Wednesday the schooner Dred, of Maryport, Wilson master, bound from Havre for Swansea, was seen in distress about eight miles off Gorey. The cutter Umpire went to her assistance, and put four men on board,and during the night she was brought to about three miles from the land. Yesterday morning a signal of distress was hoisted, and Captain Amy, the harbour-master, secured the services of a pilot to proceed to the schooner. The lifeboat of Her Majesty's ship Speedy, Captain Rogers, was obtained, and four of the crew volunteered to go off. The lifeboat was towed out by the cutter Umpire. One of the crew of the Speedy, named Stoneman, remained in the lifeboat for the purpose of steering her, all the others being on board the cutter. When about halfway to the schooner a heavy sea came on board and nearly washed all hands off the deck. It overturned the lifeboat, throwing out Stoneman, who was drowned. The boat was lost. The crew of the cutter were unable to render him any assistance in consequence of the main boom giving way. Being completely exhausted, they were obliged to return to shore. The gale increasing, the schooner began to drag her anchors and drive shorewards. Her crew cut away the masts, and again signalled their distress. Captain Amy telegraphed to St.Helier for the lifeboat to be sent round, and in about an hour and a quarter she was launched at Gorey. A volunteer crew was immediately raised and the boat put off, but on its arrival at the schooner the captain refused to throw out a line, and the crew, who were much exhausted, had to pull back to shore after their fruitless journey. They effected a safe landing near Seymour's Tower. After riding out the gale last night, the weather having moderated a little, the Dred was towed into Gorey this forenoon by Her Majesty's ships Dasher and Speedy. The weather is now (midnight) quite calm. "

Sources :

1. Clayton's Register of Shipping, 1865 - gives tonnage as 112 tons, vessel described as a brigantine.