Volume Two - The Era of Optimism, Investment & Development - Coal gas explosions etc . . .

The most disastrous explosion that ever occurred on board a ship at Cardiff took place at 9 o'clock on Monday morning. The inhabitants of Penarth and the Bute Docks were thrown into the utmost consternation at the intense force and report made by the explosion. So great was the shock that many believed an earthquake had shaken the foundations of their dwellings.

Persons, however, about the dock at Penarth and on Cardiff pier-head observed the flames and smoke issuing from on board a large ship lying in Penarth Dock, to the height of at least 200 feet, and on hastening to the scene found that a frightful explosion, caused by an accumulation of gas from the cargo of coal, had taken place on board the barque “ Atalanta ”, of Greenock. The decks were blown up fore and aft from stem to stern, the rigging, sails, and spars broken and enveloped in a black and dense smoke. Immediate efforts were made to get on shore the injured members of the crew.

The “ Atalanta ”, being outward bound and ready for sea, had most of her crew on board.

She completed loading on Friday last, having shipped 1,600 tons of the Glamorgan Coal Company's large steam coal.