As Liverpool gears up for Cunard’s Three Queens lining up on the River Mersey at the same time, it has to be hoped that there is no repeat of what happened 150 years ago today, when two ferries collied just as they set off across the river.
On Sunday 21st May 1865 at around 430pm the George’s Landing Stage, from where the Mersey ferries now depart, was far busier than it is today. As the Lancashire and Richmond set off at the same time, bound for Woodside and Eastham respectively, a collision occurred in which the Richmond had part of her starboard paddlebox and bulwarks ripped off.
In contrast the Lancashire, which had only recently been introduced to service, had little or no damage but many passengers on the Richmond were alarmed. With health and safety not quite as it is today, there were no river closures or accident investigators. Instead once they had regained their composure the Richmond passengers jumped aboard the Lancashire or the Rock Ferry steamer and everything returned to normal as the Richmond was taken away to have the damage further assessed.
Catherine Sartorius says
Hello And Good Afternoon Then Steven Horton. Very Interesting Snippets of Information about Liverpool. I am From Liverpool but I live in Blackpool at Present, but I am hopefully going to be moving back to Liverpool where My Family Live, soon. Me ad My Family like The History Of Liverpool. Please Keep Up The Good Work. And Take Care.
Regards,
Catherine Sartorius.
Catherine Sartorius says
Very Interesting Snippets of Information, Steven Horton. Thank You. And Please Keep Up The God Work. I am From Liverpool but I live in Blackpool at Present but ibam looking to move back to Liverpool where My Family Live. Me and My Family like All The History of Liverpool. Take Care.