Amlwch ship wreck data base.

The maritime history of Amlwch in the 19th century is punctuated by a relentless series of shipwrecks, driven by the treacherous geography of the Anglesey coast and the intensive shipping demands of the copper and coal trades. Between 1860 and the turn of the century, the waters surrounding the port—specifically near Point Lynas, Middle Mouse, and Dulas Island—became a graveyard for vessels ranging from small wooden sloops to massive iron steamers.

You can find the names and history of some of these ship wrecks in the data base below.


DateVesselTypeTonOwnerMasterDetails
27/9/1860RegaliaW Sch65N Treweek AmlwchWm HughesBound for Holyhead,engines failed,on outermost point on the NW entrance of Amlwch Harbour, a total loss. All 7 crew saved
26/4/1861Elizabeth DaviesW Sch64J.DaviesJas DaviesFrom Newport to Runcorn with cargo of railway iron,dragged anchor and struck middle mouse, Pulled off by Screw steamer”Plymlimon” and was assisted into Amlwch harbour by the Hobblers making a great deal of water, 3 Crew saved
8/1/1863Pride of the WestIron Barque381Pat CarolineFrom Liverpool to Montevideo with general cargo,stranded on Dulas island,crew of 15 saved by NO2 Liverpool Pilot boat.
11/10/1863JohnW Sch78Wm JonesRuncorn to Abersoch with coal,sank in gale on Middle mouse, 4 crew saved
15/6/1864EllenW Sloop54Runcorn Copper ore Thomas ToppereCaernarfon to T Fanning Evans,Amlwch,finding the harbour full of ships thought to make for Holyhead in a SW Breeze,struck Carreg Y llong sunken rock between harbour and East Mouse,founderd, Crew taken off by Schooner,Margaret Ann
24/10/1865JosephW Brigantine99J H Treweek AmlwchEd PritchardCargo and pipe clay from Poole to Runcorn. Arrived at Amlwch at low water in a westerly gale,deemed it prudent to put into Amlwch harbour. The topsail sheets and main halyards carried away,althought assisted by Hobblers and three men struck llam carw rock. Crew of 4 saved
25/11/1865MayflowerW Sch78Edwin TrebilockChina clay from Parr to Runcorn in a ESE strong Breeze,lost sails and anchor failed,lost rudder foundered 1 mine E of Lynas. Crew of 4 saved
23/5/1866ProvidenceW Sloop39N Treweek AmlwchThom GriffithsCargo of oats and small beans from Ireland to Lancaster, Beating up a contrary wind from the East off Point Lynas,thought best to make for Amlwch harbour, Moored along side the schooner ” Amlwch” which was along side the quay. The “Amlwch” fell over heavily stoving in 2 planks of the “Providence” who began to make water-only partial wreck.
3/1/1867AdelaideW Brigantine267Thom WalkerLiverpool to Cameroons ,Africa with a general cargo, had difficulty with mainsail in heavy swell and anchors failed,struck rocks off east Mouse. Much of the cargo salvaged by other ships. 12 crew saved.
7/12/1867Jane ElizabethW Sch60Jane WilliamsJohn EdwardsBroke from her mooring at 1 am while loading oats in Amlwch harbour and was taken out without anyone on board.Picked up in Morcombe bay and towed to Liverpool. Baulks should have been put down in harbour the previous night due to SW Gale.
2/12/1867Alexander StewardW Brigantine148Arthur WatsonSails blown away while off the Isle of Man in ballast. Drifting in North gale until beached at Llanrhwyarys. 4 Saved one lost to rocks
22/1/1868Douglas PennantW Sch74Wm EvansWm EvansIn Ballast from Ramsey to home Portdinowic. Had difficulty finding the light of Lynas with mainstay broken. The heavy sea drove her ashore at Dulas Island. The master put on a LifeBuoy, with a rope attached and swam to the island. Got a hawser ashore and made fast,saving the 3 other crew. At noon the following day a lifeboat from Moelfre rescued them. Vessel total loss.
1/22/1868John WilliamsW Sch70T Fanning Evans AmlwchRowland JonesBallast from Dublin to Bangor. Anchored at 01:15 in Bull Bay. In a gale the anchor chain parted at 05:30. Tried to make for Harbour but sails were blown away and struck rocks 100 yds E of Amlwch. 4 crew jumped off before ship sank 20 minutes later
19/2/1868ThomasW Sch72N Treweek AmlwchWm LeminCargo of 106 tons from Liverpool to Owen Roberts,Amlwch, crew of 4 and wife and child. Arrived safe at entrance to harbour at mid night on 18th. The weather being fine, we put the vessel aground to wait the rising tide. At about 5am the weather changed to fearful gale from NE. The vessel was blown onto the rocks at the entrance to the harbour.
19/2/1868Mountain maidW Sloop53Brought Hall, CheshireJas Jones15 ton of timber and 33 tons of coal from Liverpool to Capt Williams Thomas, Amlwch.Arrived safe at entrance to harbour at mid night on 18th. The weather being fine, we put the vessel aground the wait the rising tide. At about 5am the weather changed to fearful gale from NE. the vessel was blown onto the rocks at the entrance to the harbour.
6/8/1868Jane JonesBrigantine137Francis HawkinsCargo of flintstone from Dieppe to Runcorn. When abreast of Coal Rock Cemlyn little wind made it difficult to control vessel. She hit against the Coal rock, Cargo was thrown off and she floated off. When off Amlwch it was discovered that she was leaking 4 ft of water an hour. She signalled to Amlwch for assistance and with the help of 11 Amlwch men on the sea pumps was brought into the harbour safely.
11/11/1868ProvidenceW Sloop39Treweek,Jones & co. AmlwchJohn WilliamsAbout 60 tons of sundry goods from Liverpool to Amlwch. Left Beaumaris but became becalmed and started to drift with the tide. Regulation lights were burning at 10:30 pm 3 miles NNW of Lynas when a screw steamer came towards her, hitting the starboard side. the steamer backed off and continued to steam westward without giving assistance. Vessel sank in 3/4 hour with the crew of 4 taking to boats which landed at Cemaes many hours later.
12/12/1868HeroW Brigantine68Thomas Morrison112 tons of rock salt from Runcorn to Ghent , Belgium. Off Holyhead met a SW gale,which carried away top sail sheets. When off Rhyl we hoisted a sign for a Pilot. The lifeboat came along side and put a man aboard and took her to Mostyn harbour. Put out again on 12th for Holyhead to repair sails when 2 miles off Puffin island the cabin boy found that a plank had sprung in the stern. All manned the pumps. But ship continued to sink. Took to boats and crew of 4 landed at Llanelian
21/8/1869ThomasW Sch64W Thomas AmlwchWm Owen110 tons of Iron ore from Duddon to Britton Ferry. Between Harry Furlong and Carmel point the vessel drifted onto shore in thick fog. When the tide ebbed she fell over and was damaged. On 22 with a assistance from the steam Tug “Great Conquest” and 4 beach men the vessel was got off again and towed to Amlwch for repair.
29/9/1869CossackW Brigantine211Wm Williams318 ton of Coal from Liverpool to Brazil. Sprung a leak in forpeak and foundered about 10 miles NE of Point Lynas. 10 crew got into boat at 2am and landed Bull bay 6:15 am.
17/10/1869Gypsy King217A Mc PheeePetroleum oil in casks ,iron ore and salt from Liverpool to Glasgow. Sails blown away in NE gale. Dashed to pieces in Dulas Bay. 8 drowned last one (Lachin Robinson) saved by Moelfre lifeboat. Casks washed ashore at Moelfre
16/8/1870Good IntentW Brigantine96W Thomas AmlwchJas Jones148 tons of rock salt from Runcorn to Holland. Ship sprang a leak in a NE breeze,10 miles SSW of Great Orme, 5 crew picked up by passing steamer, who towed them towards Amlwch
2/2/1871Clara lambW Barque245Robert DyerGeneral goods from Liverpool to St Thomas,W Indies. In thick fog a look out reported land on the port bow and later land right ahead. Both Anchors failed at 8 pm and she struck a sand bank. Boat launched to shore and Llanelian Telegraph station advised. Got off by steam tug Conquest.
25/10/1871BrunswickW Brigantine109Richard Kearon124 tons of Pyrites from Wicklow to Liverpool. Sprung a leak 10 miles NW of Holyhead. Set all sails and made for land still manning the pumps. In morning off Amlwch hired Hobblers and run aground at entrance to Harbour for repair.
11/1/1872CatherineW Sch56T Treweek CemaisThom Prytherch98 tons of coal from Liverpool to Kingston in heavy rain and SW breeze while tacking off Cemais with double reefed mainsail I sighted a schooner standing in the starboard tack. She ran into my Starboard. We made our way to Cemais to save ship,cargo and crew
15/3/1872GertrudeW Sch76David Jones130 tons of coal from Liverpool to Wicklow. At 9:30 pm while off Amlwch a squall caught her and drove her towards the rocks. She hit but floated off again. A boat from Amlwch came to our assistance. She was brought safe to ground in the outer harbour with a large hole in her side.
6/9/1872JohnW Smack38ChesterDieus Rowland60 ton of stone from Port Dinllain to Liverpool. At 10:30 Pm near the NW light ship in heavy rain and strong breeze sails carried away. Drifted 6 miles ENE of Lynas. No10 Liverpool pilot boat offered assistance and towed to an Anchorage off Amlwch for the sum of £5 which the master had to find.
10/10/1872Royal CharterW Smack11J. Pierce Port dinorwicJ. Pierce Port dinorwic21 Tons of slate from Port dinorwic to William Hughes,Cemais. The wind started to shift while she was off Middle mouse. Put for shelter in Bull bay with thick rain and NW gale. Turned broad side on and was sank
5/7/1873CwmavonW Sch74Robert Jones AmlwchHugh Hughes153 ton of pig iron from Ayr to Falmouth. When 16 miles SSW of Bishops Rock a large unknown screw steam barred down on her,carrying away head gear. Manned the pumps and got to a safe haven at Amlwch.
28/2/1874Lancashire witchW Sch56Liverpool pilot boatJohn WilliamsCruising 2 miles off Point Lynas when it collided with “Perseverance” Pilot No12. Started to take in water and needed to put into Amlwch for repairs.
30/6/1874QueenW Sch61Liverpool pilot boatJas CrosslyLeft bull bay with a crew of 20. The following day the schooner “Mary Jane” of Preston ran right into her causing much damage including lost of both masts. The steam tug Tiger of Liverpool towed them to Amlwch and then to Liverpool for repair.
14/8/1874BalticW Sch79Wm Jones145 tons of paving stones from Llanhalarian to Liverpool. When off Amlwch the wind changed to ESE and were obliged to anchor in Bull Bay. The wind then changed to NNW and pulled out her chains. Bull Bay life boat called out and saved the crew but the ship was lost on “Baltic rock”
9/12/1874SibalW Brig265Arendal NorwayHarold Hansen400 tons of cotton from New zealand to Liverpool. Pilot came aboard off Point Lynas. Advise that they should not proceed to Liverpool because of the WSW wind. Wind changed direction taking sails with it. Vessel driven onto rocks 1/2 mile east of Lynas. Crew jumped to safety but Pilot drowned.
12/5/1875Forest BelleW Brig121R Hicks220 tons of Sulphur ore from Huelva Spain to Henry Hills & Sons of Amlwch. When off the smalls was hit by an unknown vessel and sailed damaged. Arrived safe at Amlwch
19/6/1875Sir EdwardW Sch59Hugh Parry.Red Wharf BayHugh Parry.Red Wharf Bay105 tons of slate from Bangor to Edinburgh. Anchored at Bull bay to weather storm then set out again. When 7 miles SSW of Lynas she suddenly sprung a leak.All hands to pumps. But she was sinking so got into boats. When the vessel sank rowed to shore at Amlwch
21/7/1875SS AbottsfordIron Brig1677Redford WebsterGeneral goods from Philadelphia USA to Liverpool. Steaming in foggy conditions 5 miles off Holyhead with 80 passengers taking soundings at 1/2 speed. The ship struck rocks forward and all got into boats.Ship was washed ashore between Cemais and Cemlyn
9/5/1877SS DakotaIron Brig2482Jas Price1800 tons cargo and 218 passengers from Liverpool to New york. Struck carreg llong in an ESE breeze. Passengers saved by Coast Guard and Bull bay life boat.
7/1/1879KateW Sch72Robert Griffiths, Chapel StreetRobert Griffiths, Chapel Street Amlwch Port129 tons of coal from Liverpool to Newry. Past Liverpool bar in sleet. Steering NW1/2W hit hard ground. Distress signal given and boats out but vessels capsized. Vessel and boats landed at Dulas. Serious damage to vessel
6/9/1879Lord MostynW Sch46W.Thomas AmlwchHugh Thomas67 tons of coal and oats from Liverpool to Holyhead (For Llanddueusant mill). Was struck by Brigatine,Bertha of Idaho near Church bay. LM continued to HH with cargo then returned to Amlwch for repairs.
30/9/1879Mountain maidWooden Dandy53W.Thomas Amlwch82 tons of coal from Liverpool to Dublin, While off Rhyl a sudden squall carried away the mainsail damaged the rigging and disabled the ship. Taken in tow to Amlwch for repairs by the Schooner,County of Cork.
29/3/1880SurpriseW Sch126W.Thomas AmlwchWm Evans193 tons of coal from Runcorn to Plymouth. Left Mostyn but later hit fog and unable to see land nor lights. Struck rock at Dulas island. Unable to get off so crew onto island until fog lifted and she could be refloated the following day after the cargo had been discharged.
31/3/1880SamsonSloop30W Cox Paynter,Tyddyn Dai, AmlwchHugh Thomas40 tons of oats in sacks from W.Roberts of Cemlyn to Lancaster. Passed Point Lynas at 7:30 pm on 30th. When off Great Ormes heading into a strong S breeze sighted a red and green light approaching which hit her without stopping. Schooner Chester did not have a look out. She started to sink and men took to boats and landed at Llandudno at 5 am.
5/10/1880Eliza and CatherineW Sch58John Parry96 tons of slates from Bangor to Scotland. Windbound in Isle of Man. Easterly gale blew away sails and decided to make for Beaumaris and later Amlwch. Baulks were down at Amlwch and she was beached at Bull Bay at 08:30. Life boat crew gave good assistance with lifesaving apparatus from Amlwch also being called to give assistance. Was repaired after cargo was discharged.
4/12/1880CoilaW Brigantine132W.Thomas AmlwchWm Owen228 tons of salt from Runcorn to Newcastle on Tyne. While leaving HH got foul of Brigatine”Adelade” carrying away her jib without damage to self. She left HH breakwater and was then hit by schooner. After checks “Coila” made for Amlwch for repairs
21/3/1882Welsh GirlW Sch99Thomas JonesJohn Hugh Farrel200 tons of iron ore from Fowey to Mostyn. Passed the skerries in a WSW gale. The wind turn northerly and took her mainsail,filling the decks with water. She drifted into Harry Furlong’s rock and was later driven ashore at Cemlyn.
22/3/1882Three BrothersW Sch32Ben Hughes50 tons of gravel from Cemlyn beach to Hoylake. Wind NNW gale anchor and chain parted, crew taken off by Cemlyn Life boat before ship a total loss on Cemlyn Beach.
7/4/1882VictoriaW Smack43W.Thomas AmlwchO Roberts27 tons of gravel and Iron scrap from Amlwch to Liverpool. Left harbour in tow of steamer”NOAH” in a moderate E Breeze. When about 1/4 mile outside harbour the steamer let go. As the steamer turned back an explosion was heard and the Noah blew up, debris landing on the Victoria. Two Noah crew members were taken out of the water dead.(Nicholas Peters and Owen Pritchard) Cause of accident boiler explosion.
7/4/1882NoahW SteamerJonesWhile towing out “Victoria” boiler exploded due to lack of water. ” Two men died
10/4/1818Marchiones of AngleseySSMona Mine CompanyEvan HughesMaiden voyage Liverpool to Amlwch with coal,timber and bricks for use at the mines. With general goods for Rev Wm Roberts shop in Amlwch and 12 passengers. In an easterly gale she was grounded at Dulas Bay 3 crew and only 3 passengers saved. Most of the cargo was plundered from the shore.
14/5/1882GlanceW Flat70Liverpool pilot boatSam T Jones134 tons of coal from Connah’s quay to H Hills & son .Amlwch. Shipped a heavy sea 1mile NNE of Point Lynas. Vessel capsized in deep water. Crew took to boat and arrived in Amlwch harbour at 4 am.
8/5/1883GlyndwrW Sch26W.Thomas AmlwchRichard Hughes50 tons of iron sheet from Liverpool for W.Thomas at Amlwch. Mainsail blown away in Easterly gale off Point Lynas. Vessel unmanageable and blown onto rocks near Lynas. Crew took to rigging but master was lost.
26/5/1883Ann CrewdsonW Sch134BarrowO Thomas124 tons of iron ore from Millon to Cardiff.Vessel started to make water. All hands to pumps and made it to Amlwch for repair
26/9/1883Anne WalkerW Sch87BeaumarisWilliam Jones160 tons of coal from Runcorn to Plymouth. Off Holyhead in a SE Breeze the mainsail was carried away. Made for Bull bay for repairs. Here the anchor chain parted and she started to drift. Tug “Brilliant Star” came to her assistance and towed her to Amlwch.
7/10/1883Holy wathW Sch98W.Morgan,DuddonJohn Williams203 tons of pig iron from Clyde to Saltney. She had hit a rock in the Clyde but continued on her journey. When off Isle of man in a SW wind and heavy sea she sprang a leak making 6 inches of water per hour. Made for Amlwch for repair.
7/1/1886GlyndwrW Sch26W.Thomas AmlwchWilliam Hughes45 tons of coal from Liverpool to Swtan,Anglesey. In a fall gale the vessel dragged her anchor in the Dee estuary and was driven broad side onto Hilbre island. Both crew got off and returned home to Amlwch but vessel and cargo were lost.
22/12/1886Pacific93AberystwythDan Evans166 tons of salt from Runcorn to Ireland. Met SSW gale off Holyhead. Failed to get into Holyhead and made for Bull Bay. Anchored but was driven onto rocks when wind change. Saved by Bull Bay lifeboat. Returned to vessel an hour later and tried to make to Beaumaris but failed to get around Point Lynas and ran to ground at Amlwch. The Baulks were down at the time and she sat between the two piers.
22/12/1886Ocean BelleW Sch73W.Thomas AmlwchHenry Williams108 tons of coal from Cardiff to Wm Thomas & Sons Amlwch.Sails blown away in SW gale. Sheltered in Bull Bay. Wind changed to NW and anchors started to drag towards rocks. Crew taken off by Bull Bay lifeboat. The owner came and employed 12 men from shore she was taken into Amlwch harbour and beached as Baulks were down.
3/2/1889SS CameoIron Schooner1484200 Hp engine. 26 crew and 3 passengers in ballast from Liverpool to Cardiff. Sheltering in Moelfre roads when wind changed to NNE and anchor chain parted. Tried to put to sea with engines at full speed. She was washed back to beach at Benllech.
21/3/1889EmperorW Sch64BeaumarisHuw JonesUndergoing extensive repairs in Amlwch dry dock.In a NNE gale spray was coming over the dock wall,filled the dock and the vessel floated. She burst open the lock gates and was broken into fire wood against the pier head.
20/3/1889Ellen & ElizabethW Smack15T Williams DulasWm MathewsDischarged at Amlwch and was along side the quay. In a NNE gale the master saw two of the baulk across the harbour break. The vessel broke adrift and was force to the top of the harbour where she became foul of the schooner.”Success” of Chester. The E&E was then hit by the schooner “Mary Ann” and both vessels sank.
9/5/1890ThomasW Sch65W.Thomas AmlwchHugh RobertsLight from Dumfries to Bangor. When 6 miles of Ormes head was run down by steamer “Astronomer” of Liverpool which did not stop. Vessel made it to Bangor for repairs.
6/11/1890Lord MostynW Sch46W.Thomas AmlwchWilliam Owen40 tons of scrap for Fanning Evans,Amlwch. Off Puffin island in S by E gale sails carried away. Tried to anchor off Moelfre but anchors dragged and she sank off Cripple point.
8/8/1891HeathmorSteamer1218Wm Johnson Line,Liverpool2300 tons of general cargo. Hit Harry Furlongs rock in thick fog. All saved
13/10/1891ThomasW SchW.Thomas AmlwchRichard jones107 tons of coal for Fanning Evans, Amlwch. Sails lost in Hurricane off Puffin Island. Sheltered of Moelfre then to Amlwch for repairs
11/11/1891FriendsW Smack34Sam Thomas,CemaisJohn Williams63 tons of Oats from J Williams,Glanllyn ,Amlwch to Lancaster. Moored in Cemais bay when a gale suddenly blew up and vessel was washed away from mooring. She became stranded near the pier
15/2/1892ExcellW Brigantine99WhithavenT Curran214 tons of clay from Teignmouth to Western point.Struck harry Furlong’s roack in an easterly gale. Crew washed ashore in lifejackets. Total wreck.
1893EnterpriseTugboatJacob Brooking of LiverpoolTaking Pilot from Liverpool to Amlwch for no1 vessel and to tow No5 Pilot out to station. Hit un uncharted rock about 300 yds from the entrance to the harbour. Vessel steamed into harbour and sank.
7/3/1894EnterpriseW Ketch39O Jones, AmlwchHugh Jones100 tons of fertiliser from H Hills,Amlwch to Abersoch. Wind blew her onto rocks at port dinllain were she was stranded for and aft. This strained her. She was discharged and she returned to Amlwch for repairs.
22/11/1894Lady FieldingW Sch47O Hughes AmlwchThomas Williams5 tons of Oats from J Jones,Amlwch. Moored in Cemais harbour. The chains parted in a WNW gale the starboard quarter drifted across the Ketch,”Margaret Elizabeth” and later settled on the other side of the harbour
17/12/1895Thomas PearsonW Sch78LancasterAndrew Kinsella167 tons of coal from Liverpool to Wicklow. In thick fog with all hands on look out. Breakers reported ahead. Hit Dulas island and crew took to boats
12/1/1897BrablochSteel ship1999GlasgowDavid Middle3200 ton of Wheat from San Francisco to Liverpool. Hit a rock between Cemlyn and Cemais and drifted on to shore. Not making water.
10/11/1898FriendsSmack34Sam Thomas,CeamisHugh Thomas54 tons of coal from Glasgow to Cemais. About 5 miles NW of Point Lynas when run down by steamer which returned to watch vessel sink but did not assist men in boats,who landed on shore safely.
3/5/1898WilliamW Ketch38CaernarfonThomas Jones70 tons of coal from Liverpool to port Dinllaen. 2 miles SSE of Point Lynas in full sail when fire broke out on board. Ran for Dulas beach where she beached and was destroyed by fire.
6/7/1899EilianW Schooner92W.Thomas AmlwchRichard Griffiths200 tons of cement from London to Ireland. When 20 miles SE of St Catherines point in a thick fog sighted a large steamer on the port bow which struck Eilian at the forepart of the mizzen and cut her in two halves. The schooner went down but the crew managed to climb aboard the steamer “Afrique” of La Harve.
8/12/1899Jane PringleW Schooner89W.Thomas AmlwchJohn Thomas158 tons of slates from Portmadoc to London. Rounded Bardsey in a gale and started making water. Ship sank in Caernarfon bay.
1807LovelySloopBuilt at Amlwch in 1788 was lost in 1807- 1808 wrecked off the tip of the Lleyn Peninsular while on a voyage from Frodsham to Pwllheli carrying a cargo of general foodstuffs.