Alberta: The worst crossing

Alberta: The worst crossing

This 2024 Jersey Heritage article was first published by Bailiwick Express

Has anyone experienced a sailing bad enough to describe it as the worst ever? The passengers onboard the SS Alberta thought so when they set sail for the Channel Islands on 27 December 1924. Far from experiencing a merry time befitting the Christmas period, they had what was described as the “worst passage on record”.

The crossing from Southampton to Guernsey and then Jersey was hit by gale force winds and terrifying seas and many passengers thought it was going to be the end for them. The Evening Post of 29 December reported that it was common to hear tales of bad crossings but that “it is no exaggeration to say that no other local steamer has encountered a worse crossing”.

It went on to say: “At times it seemed that all was over and that nothing could keep the vessel afloat longer, but by the mercy of providence the steamer righted herself and continued her battle against mountainous seas.”

The ship had left Southampton at 00.55 with nothing being heard from it until the late afternoon when Mr Moore, the Southern Railway agent, finally received a wireless message saying that she had passed the Casquets at 13:30 and that they were dealing with horrendous conditions.

People gathered at the harbour in Guernsey, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the vessel. Rumours started to spread that it had foundered and several people went to the General Post Office in tears, hoping to hear news. Finally, the ship was able to reach the relative safety of Guernsey at 23:45, almost 24 hours after it set off, with news reaching Jersey of its arrival around midnight.

The ship made the final leg of its journey the following morning, leaving Guernsey at 07:00 and arriving in Jersey when a heavy hail shower hit, making it almost impossible to see when berthing at the Harbour at 09:20.

Only 14 passengers

Only 14 passengers braved the trip on to St Helier Harbour and all of them and the crew recounted the terrible experience they had suffered while travelling to the Islands.

Witnesses said that as soon as the steamer passed the Needles, off the Isle of Wight, the full force of the elements were felt. The boat was battered by the seas and wind all night, pitching alarmingly from side to side and making little progress.

Captain Smith was praised for his skill in keeping the ship afloat, when it was pushed over on a number of occasions. At one time “three huge seas struck the vessel in quick succession, these breaking well over the bridge.

“The sea forced itself along the alleyways, and tons of water got into the engine room, and then forcing open the firemen’s quarters, fell like an avalanche in their sleeping compartments in the bowels of the vessel. The men naturally feared the worst, and were caught for a time like rats in a trap. “Everything was wrecked, and the men had difficulty in getting out, which they did eventually, drenched to the skin, and with all their personal belongings ruined”.

The steamer remained on its side for a considerable time but eventually righted itself, something that probably would not have happened if it was more heavily loaded. All that was on the deck was fish that was being transported and oil, both of which were washed away.

While dealing with the rough seas, one of the most experienced sailors, Fred Wallis, was knocked over, swept along the alleyway and was thrown against the ventilator causing a fractured leg and broken ribs. He was taken below decks and made as comfortable as possible until they reached Guernsey, where he was taken to hospital. Another sailor, Le Masurier, was knocked down and received injuries to his arms and legs.

As the vessel got closer to Guernsey, the seas reportedly got even worse. The weather was so bad that no beacons could be identified to mark the Island, so Captain Smith was not able to approach it. Once again, the ship was struck by waves and “she again heeled over to a terrifying extent”. Eventually, the skies cleared enough so that the lights in Guernsey were distinguishable and the Captain was able to steer his ship safely home.

Crew interviews

When the vessel arrived in Jersey, the newspaper interviewed crew members with one, who had over 40 years of experience with Southern Railway, stating it was the worst crossing he had known and another saying that he did not think that they would survive and that it was wonderful that the Alberta had been able to withstand the buffeting.

The vessel was examined and a huge conger eel was found in the engine room. This had not been washed onboard by the sea but was part of a consignment of fish that was originally due to have been sent to Guernsey. It was sent to a local fishmonger.

The gales continued into the New Year and the Evening Post reported that there continued to be terrible conditions for boats to travel in. The passengers and crew of the SS Alberta were able to enjoy the New Year, safe in the knowledge that they had survived a terrifying ordeal.