This sailing barque struck on Muckle Skerry while en-route from Leith to Quebec with a cargo of 750 tons of coal. Full sail was set to keep her firmly ashore, but owing to the heavy seas nine of the crew were swept overboard and drowned. The other eleven men and her Captain ,Capt. J.B. Watson scrambled ashore, helped by the four Lighthouse keepers. The ship was seen pounded to pieces. Seven bodies were recovered and buried on the island and a stone was erected to their memory.
In July 2020 we were contacted by Mr Jimmy McGeachy whose Great Great Grandfather, Thomas McNicol was one of those tragically lost on the Vicksburg. Given that his relative is one of only three names that appear on the Marine Return death certificate, and also the fact that he was told by his grandmother that his Great Great Grandfather was lost at sea, he has assumed he was one of those who were never recovered.
After his death Jimmy's Great Great Grandmother was offered either a painting of her husband (done posthumously) or compensation. She chose the painting which shows the twin towers of the Pentland Skerries Lighthouse and a sailing barque at the back of him.
The Vicksburg was 21 yrs old, Leith registered, Lloyds AE.1., 982 tons, Owner W. Thomson & Co., Leith.
In July 2020 we were contacted by Mr Jimmy McGeachy whose Great Great Grandfather, Thomas McNicol was one of those tragically lost on the Vicksburg. Given that his relative is one of only three names that appear on the Marine Return death certificate, and also the fact that he was told by his grandmother that his Great Great Grandfather was lost at sea, he has assumed he was one of those who were never recovered.
After his death Jimmy's Great Great Grandmother was offered either a painting of her husband (done posthumously) or compensation. She chose the painting which shows the twin towers of the Pentland Skerries Lighthouse and a sailing barque at the back of him.
The Vicksburg was 21 yrs old, Leith registered, Lloyds AE.1., 982 tons, Owner W. Thomson & Co., Leith.