Ella Sayer

[Keelman]

Built by Doxfords in 1883 for Fisher Renwick & Co, Newcastle. Lost near Beach Cliff, Scarborough 1st September 1897 while on passage Kotka to Hull with pit props.

[Whickham]

Looks like they are fighting a fire, with some interesting craft alongside.

[Whickham]

Looks as though it was 1907. See http://riverpolicehistory.homestead.com/

[magoonigal]

This is the second ELLA SAYER for the same owner.
Built by Tyne Iron Shipbuilding Co, Willington Quay 1898 to replace the lost one.
2,549 Gross. Torpedoed 30/4/18.
Probably more on Dave's tynebuilt Site.

Esparto Grass Fire on board SS Ella Sayer.

About 5am on 7th March, 1907 a fire was discovered on board the Newcastle registered steamship, ELLA SAYER, owned by the Ella Sayer Steamship Co. Ltdof Newcastle, which was berthed at East Quay, Hendon Dock. The 2,549 gross tons vessel had arrived two days earlier from Tripoli with a cargo of esparto grass.
The fire involved bales of the esparto grass in the after part of No 2 hold and the bunkers 'tweed decks. The Dockmaster, Captain Leask soon had a party of R.W.C. gatemen and watermen at work fighting the blaze with a water jet. On arrival of the Borough Fire Brigades horse-drawn steamer under Superintendent Yelland, the dockmen were experiencing difficulty extinguishing the flames which seemed to have taken hold well down in the middle of the bales. The fire had apparently been burning for some time and was extensive and spreading. The FIRE QUEEN arrived shortly afterwards, some time later being joined by the FIRE KING from the river, both floats being under the command of Inspector Lakin.
By 8 am no fewer than eight jets were at work on the holds and bunkers but these seemed to have little effect due to difficulties in getting right onto the burning mass. Eventually, a small plate in the deck was pulled up, through wich aperture the men were able to work more effectually.

[magoonigal]

By this time, owing to the combustable nature of the cargo, the fire had spread considerably and it was feared that the only way to save the ship would be to scuttle her. This extream measure proved unnecessary as the morning progressed as by use of numerous jets, the efforts of the firefighters began to show signs of success. The heat was so extreme that it actually caused the foredeck near the port bunker to buckle. Flooding in the vessel's fore hold had caused her to become very low in the water but the fire had been prevented from spreading to the after holds, Nos 3 and 4, thereby saving the cargo contained there. At noon, although the fire was still raging in the 'tween deck bunkers and under the chartroom, it was slowly being extinguished.
Soon afterwards, the Borough Brigade left the scene, followed by the FIRE KING, leaving only the FIRE QUEEN in attendance. The fire was by then completely under control and practically extinguished, with the bales only smouldering in places.
At the height of the operation, one jet from the horse-drawn steamer, one R.W.C. hydrant jet, two jets from the FIRE QUEEN and six from the FIRE KING had been deployed. Firefighters had been present for over eight hours and damage in excess of £1,000 had been caused.

Sentinels of the Wear by Neil W Mearns.
A History of Sunderlands River Police and Fireboats.

Although I should imagine the story was from the local paper and in the public domain.

[Whickham]

Thanks for the identification Paul. No photo on Tyne Built Ships (till now)

http://www.tynebuiltships.co.uk/E-Ships ... r1898.html

[Whickham]

And the tug with the black funnel?

[magoonigal]

Trust you to want JAM and CREAM on it...