The Penarth Dock adjacent to tip number 12 left and tip number 11 right. This colourised photo is taken from the escarpment behind the southern quay of the dock during c.1903 and clearly illustrates that sail and steam were trading side-by-side. The potential for explosion was always present since the coal held methane. When the hatches were sealed to prevent the ingress of seawater as waves crashed over the deck in high seas, ventilation was restricted and pockets of gas would accumulate with time. The crew would open the hatches when it the seas were light but lived in fear when they experienced extended periods of stormy weather. A single spark from the galley or light source was enough to ignite the gases with explosive force blowing out the wooden decking or weakest section of the hull. [000] [002]