The s.s. 'Rosella' was on a voyage from Penarth to Granville with a cargo of coal, when she was wrecked at Roches Douvres Rocks 15 miles off La Corbière, Jersey, on the 16th September 1908. She was built at the yard of Joseph Thompson & Sons Limited of North Sands, Sunderland (founded 1846) for John H. Barry of Whitby having been launched during April 1881. The following year it is recorded that the yard had the highest output of any Wear shipbuilder. At the time of her loss she was owned by the Rosella Steamship Company Limited of Pembroke Buildings, 2 James St, Cardiff from 1900?

How the Rosella Went Down - Captain Lyberg Tells His Story - 'Information has been received at Cardiff which indicates that the missing boats of the wrecked steamer Rosella, which contained the chief officer and ten others, have arrived at St. Malo, and it is presumed that all are safe. Captain Lyberg, at any rate, believes that all the men have reached land, for, as he declares, the chief mate would have mentioned the fact if there was anything amiss.

"I have had a terribly anxious time," said Captain S. J. Lyberg, on his return to his home, in Paget-street, Grangetown. In conversation with a Weekly Mail representative on Saturday he told the story of the disaster — how the Rosella struck on a submerged rook and became a total wreck. "It was ten or fifteen minutes past six o'clock on Wednesday morning when the disaster happened," related Captain Lyberg, "and the ship went down at half-past eight." It seems that the vessel struck on the Roches d'Ouvres, on which is built the light-house for St. Malo and Granville, and the French seas hereabouts are very dangerous in anything like rough weather.

photograph left : Captain Sven Julius Lyberg.

"The mate and myself were on the bridge at the time," went on the captain. "The atmosphere was somewhat hazy, and the vessel was going full speed at the time. Very soon after the ship struck I became convinced that she was doomed, and soundings taken in No. 2 hold proved that she was rapidly filling with water.

Then I ordered the boats out. This was about three-quarters of an hour after she struck, for by this time it was dangerous to remain on board. As my duty demanded of me, I was the last to leave the sinking ship, and at about half-past eight she disappeared."

Was there any panic among the crew? queried our reporter.

"There was no panic," replied Captain Lyberg, but, naturally, they were somewhat alarmed. However, by keeping cool myself I soon calmed the crew, and they behaved admirably. The men saved all their belongings, but I lost practically all my property, including my valuable instruments, such as the sextant, chronometer, telescope, and binoculars. We did not move off in our boats Until the ship went down, and, naturally, as nothing was heard of the missing men for more than two days, I have had a painfully anxious time. I have had a painfully anxious time. I cannot tell you how relieved I am to know that they have arrived at St. Malo."

Boats Separated by the Gale - Mr. Hugh Malcolm (chief engineer) and Mr. W. Williams (chief officer) were also interviewed. The former hails from Seacombe, Birkenhead; Mr. Williams is a North Walian from Nevin. Both seemed little the worse for their experiences. At 6.25 the first mate received instructions to proceed in one of the boats with four picked men, and to pull for the Roches d'Ouvres Lighthouse for assistance and also to set up telegraphic communication with the owners—Messrs. Elvidge and Morgan. In 35 minutes they reached the lighthouse safely. A nasty sea was running, and at the base of the lighthouse two other boats were seen to leave the Rosella—one making for the lighthouse, and the other, with sails set, was trying to follow suit, but she was being driven in an easterly direction. Whilst some recovered their clothes, others lost them, these latter including the two officers interviewed by our representative. Between the arrival of the first boat and the second half an hour elapsed.

For 24 hours, Messrs. Malcolm and Williams stated, they remained in the lighthouse, simply because no communication could be got with the shore until dark. They telegraphed and signalled to the shore, and were informed that in the morning a steamer would take them away, which was done at 8.30, and they bad a safe passage to Lezardrieux. They were treated with much kindness and consideration by the French Custom House authorities. No conveyance being available, they had to walk some four miles to Paimpol with baggage in a cart. At Paimpol they approached the Minister of Marine, who supplied them with cash, paying train fare and all expenses to St. Malo. They stayed for a night in Paimpol, and on Friday reached St. Malo at five p.m. There the British Consul took them in hand considerately, and, leaving St. Malo at half-past ten on Friday night, they were landed at Southampton on Saturday morning in the South Western mailboat, and late in the evening were in Cardiff.

Both gentlemen wished to emphasise the fact that they were treated most kindly and courteously both by the French and English authorities. They added that they launched the small boat and pulled seven miles, but failed to catch up with the captain, who reached Jersey in safety with the four members of the crew who were his companions.' - Weekly Mail [067] [361] 26th September 1908.