Peter Duck, reference to Prooshian

I am a new member so please forgive me if this topic has been raised before.

“Now there you see them Dover lights. Last time I were past here there were the Prooshian, five masted German, piled up under the cliffs just east’ard of them lights.” – Peter Duck to John sailing at night.

On the TARS web site (other Vessels in Peter Duck) it suggests that this may be a fictional wreck.

In fact this is likely to be a reference to the Preussen, or more correctly Preußen a five masted full rigged ship with a displacement of 5031 Tons and  length of 136m.  In fact she was the only 5 masted full rigged ship ever to be built. (ref 1)

A picture can be found at reference 3

She was launched in 1902 and foundered off Dover on the 6^th November 1910 on her 13^th (!) voyage. She was carrying a mixed cargo including a number of pianos bound for Chile when she struck a cross channel steamer, the Brighton who contrary to regulations crossed her bows. She was badly damaged and despite attempts to sail or tow her to Dover she ran aground, guess where, Crab Bay! (ref 2)

The crew and some cargo was salvaged, including the pianos, which were hauled up the cliffs, but she had broken her back and was unsalvageable.

The Wreck lies in shallow water east of Dover under the cliffs, her ribs stick out of the water at low tide. (ref 2)

References

1)    http://www.canterburydivers.org.uk/wrecks.html

2)    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preu%C3%9Fen_%28ship%29

3)    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vollschiff_Preussen.png

Hi Peter, welcome to TARS!

Many thanks for the information about the "Proosian" - most interesting. I've updated the relevant page to reflect this.