The ship involved in the accident, Thomas W. Lawson, was an incredible ship.
Thomas W. Lawson was the worlds largest pure sailing ship, i.e.
without an auxiliary engine, and the only seven-masted schooner.
This was possible because the work of the sailors was facilitated by various mechanisms.
When fully loaded, the Thomas W. Lawson’s draft was 9 meters.
As a result, her capacity was reduced to 7,400 tons so you can accommodate her into more ports.
Even with reduced cargo, Thomas W. Lawson was so large that she was difficult to maneuver and sluggish.
She tended to yaw and needed a strong wind to be held on course.
Sailors likened her to a bath tub or a beached whale.
The Lawson was originally set up to ply the coal routes along the the American East Coast.
Despite the damage, the schooner reached the Celtic Sea northwest of the Isles of Scilly.
On December 13, entering the English Channel, where it was hoped she could ride out the storm.
The following night, the gale reached 90 mph and snapped the ships anchor chain.
A thick layer of layer, from the ships hold had gathered on the surface.
All whose bodies could be recovered were buried in a mass grave in St Agnes cemetery.
Wreck of the Thomas W. Lawson.
