Site Record

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 MERCUR was a wooden barque built in 1871 and registered at Arendal, Norway. On 21 January 1879, it was travelling from Boston, USA, to Penarth Roads when it became stranded at 1mile NW of Oxwich Point. The barque was owned at time of loss by N Arnesen of Arendal, Norway and was commanded by O Frivald. The 10 crew members on board were saved, but a passenger lost their life.

Sources include:
Board of Trade Wreck Return 1879 Appendix Parts I-IV pg 105(171)
Edmunds. G, 1979, The Gower Coast, pg 63
Larn and Larn Shipwreck Database 2002
Maritime records transferred from the EH AMIE database
Wells, C 1909, A short History of the port of Bristol, pg 205

Maritime Officer, RCAHMW, November 2011.