Volume Eight - Pre-Victorian to the present day - more aspects - Storms and their effects . . .

• October 1909 - Bristol Channel Perils - Schooner a Total Wreck at Penarth

The easterly gale which has been raging since Monday has quite upset shipping, both in and out of the various docks in the Bristol Channel. So hard did it blow overnight and on Wednesday that it was found impossible in many cases at Cardiff to move vessels from one berth to another. Vessels which have left dock have been obliged to anchor in the roads, and incoming ships have adopted the same measure of caution. The gale was the most severe experienced for a number of years, but local casualties so far are comparatively few.

The schooner 'Amite', which drove ashore near the Alabaster Caves, Penarth, on Tuesday night, has become a total wreck. A high wind prevailed on Wednesday afternoon, and at 4.30 only the port side of the vessel remained intact. Among other things, the masts had been carried away.

Two ship's lifeboats have been washed ashore near Barry, apparently belonging to the 'Amitie'. The beach from Lavernock Point to Swanbridge was strewn with pitprops, ropes, and hatches. The scene of the wreck was visited by a large number of people.

About 80 ships, including steamers and small craft, sheltered in the roads, the gale blowing with hurricane force at high water. One schooner was seen in difficulties about 200 yards north of Penarth Pier, and appeared to be drifting ashore, when she was taken in tow by a tug and taken towards Cardiff.

The rocket apparatus at Penarth was called out twice during the night to the aid of ships dragging their anchors in the roads.' Weekly Mail [067] [361] 30th October 1909.

• March 1877 - Penarth - Fire - 'While the storm was at its height on Wednesday evening the shop of Mr Hughes, grocer, Maughan-street, caught fire. It was some time before water could be obtained for the engine, as some thoughtless haulier had covered the plug with bricks and stones. When water was obtained the flames were soon extinguished. Not much damage was done except to the stock, which was insured.' Cardiff Times [019] [361] 10th March 1877.