The Swan, Warkworth beach, 3rd Jan 1800
Unfortunately too many like this one:
Caledonian Mercury, Monday, January 13, 1800
In the afternoon of the 3rd instant, a little to the northward of the Coquet, the Swan, Sharp, [master] of Sunderland, coal laden, was driven ashore at low water, with only her foremast standing, almost waterlogged; but the ship grounded at such a distance from the land, and the sea ran so high, that little hope could be entertained of any assistance. An old boat was procured, and three persons put off at imminent hazard of their lives, with the intention of getting a rope on board to haul the poor mariners on shore. This attempt however was impracticable, as the sea immediately dashed the boat to land.
The crew then sent out a buoy and line, but the wind shifting to the southward it did not reach the shore. No hope now remained but that the ship might keep together and be driven nearer the land with the coming tide. In the mean time the mate, W. Mackay, stripped himself and threw himself into the sea, and was fortunate enough to reach the shore by swimming, but quite exhausted. By friendly assistance he was recovered and clothed.
Three or four of the crew were seen to ascend the fore-mast and the township ordered the men with lights to the shore to afford assistance; but presently the ship went to pieces, and all on board, seven in number, perished.
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