A recent wire received by the secretary of the Limerick Harbour Commissioners has reported a maritime incident off the Kerry coast. The steamer named “Bremen,” with a net register tonnage of 186, was reported to have run aground at Smerwick strand after discharging a cargo of oats in Limerick. The vessel had departed from Limerick on the 28th, destined for Lianelly.
Amidst this incident, there are growing concerns for the safety of another vessel named “Fskasoni.” This sailing vessel, with a substantial register tonnage of nearly 2,000 tons, was transporting a cargo of grain to Limerick. It had left Falmouth on the 10th, and under normal circumstances, it should have reached its destination within a week or ten days. However, there have been no communications or sightings of the ship since its departure, leading to anxiety about its whereabouts and safety.
The maritime situation off the Kerry coast has been exacerbated by a violent storm that struck Waterville and the surrounding district. The storm intensified into a veritable hurricane at around 12:30 am on Sunday, causing concern for the safety of ships in the area. Fortunately, the most severe part of the storm was short-lived, and the damage in the region was not as extensive as initially feared. Several haystacks were blown down, some homes suffered minor damage to their roofs, and the dwelling of Mr James Leary in Beenbane bore the brunt of the storm, with a significant portion of its roof blown off on the eastern side.
As of the time of reporting, there are ongoing electrical disturbances in the area, indicating possible lightning activity. The wind is picking up again, and there are warnings of another approaching storm from the same direction.
Authorities and maritime communities are on high alert, monitoring the situation closely and awaiting further updates about the stranded steamer Bremen and the missing sailing vessel Fskasoni. Safety measures are being taken to protect both ships and their crews during the ongoing storm.
Kerry News – Wednesday 01 March 1905
