Maria Asumpta, Polruan, Lanteglos by Fowey, Cornwall. October 1992

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Royal Cornwall Museum Photo Prints and Wall Art

Maria Asumpta, Polruan, Lanteglos by Fowey, Cornwall. October 1992

The worlds oldest wooden sailing ship undergoes minor repairs at the Fowey Harbour Commissioners slipway at Polruan. She was built in Spain in 1858 and continued to sail until the 1930s when a single engine was installed. Trading until 1978 she fell into decay, but an 18 month restoration programme in the early 1980s brought the ship back to seaworthiness. In 1995 the Maria Asumpta was on her first voyage after a refit in Gloucester when she hit bad weather and, on the afternoon of 30th May, prepared to enter Padstow harbour. The captain, Mark Litchfield, decided to sail between The Mouls and Pentire Point, not a route recommended by the Admiralty, she hit rocks and the crew abandoned ship with three men losing their lives. Mr Litchfield was charged with manslaughter due to gross negligence, was found guilty and jailed for 18 months. Photographer: Jonathan Barker. Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture. © RIC, photographer Jonathan Barker

TRURI : 2017.5.370

Media ID 18414917

Masts Scaffolding Shipping Hull