Archaeological remains associated with the loss of this vessel are not confirmed as present at this location, but may be in the vicinity.
Event and Historical Information:
The HEROINE was a wooden schooner built by Thomas at Caernarfon in 1864. Technical and configuration specifications are given as 87nt; 75ft x 20ft 6in x 9ft 5in; fastened with iron bolts. At time of loss on 7 January 1873, the vessel was owned by T W Williams and under the command of T Jones. The schooner was carrying cast iron ingots/pigs from Workington to London when it was in collision with the French barque LAGUNA off Point Lynas. Evidence presented at the Board of Trade Inquiry noted the incident occurred on a very dark night that around 6.45pm. The HEROINE was in charge of a Liverpool pilot, on the starboard tack, making three knots. Her Master had just left the deck leaving the Mate in charge who had placed himself as a look-out, when he saw the red and green lights of an approaching vessel. After checking his own lights were burning brightly, he called the Master, who immediately ordered the helm hard to port and ran aft to see the order executed, before the schooner had time to react, it struck the port bow of the LAGUNA and sank almost immediately, taking three of the crew with it who were asleep below. The Master and Mate managed to scramble on board the barque. The LAGUNA wore round and approached the scene of the disaster but found no wreckage or signs of the missing men, and no attempt was made to launch a boat. The LAGUNA remained in the area for one hour then proceeded, the survivors and her pilot transferring to a French schooner and then a Liverpool pilot boat. The Court, held at Caernarfon agreed that both vessels had reacted properly on seeing the lights of the other. The sinking position for the HEROINE was given as 3m northwest of Point Lynas.
Sources include:
Board of Trade Wreck Return Part II Table 21 pg45 (225)
Board of Trade Inquiry 1873 Part VI Table pg157 (337)
Larn and Larn Shipwreck Database 2002
Lloyds Register of British and Foreign Shipping, 1 July 1872 - 30 June 1873, number 277 in H
