MARIE LOUISE

MARIE LOUISE Brig – Near Weymouth Bay. Note: John Mantle a Coastguard was awarded a silver medal for rescuing the crew. See also Victorian History of Dorset p.224. “The loss of a French ship off Weymouth in October, 1839, may be mentioned because John Mantle, a coastguardsman, saved the people by swimming off to her with a rope, for which he received the Royal Humane Society’s Gold Medal and other rewards”. Ref. DCC: 07/10/1839. See also LOUISE See the Times Report

Times: October 7, 1839, Issue 17166 – “French vessel (Marie Louise) was wrecked in Weymouth Bay, Coastguard, Jack (John) Mantel, thinking he saw human beings moving on deck, jumped into the raging sea and swam to her. On getting on board, he found two boys and the captain, who had broken his leg, on her deck. Mantle took the boys safely to shore, and then returning to the wreck with a rope, which was made fast to the shore, he slung the captain in a running tackle, and he was safely landed. The gallant fellow then greped (searched?) in the cabins to find if any living being remained, and afterwards jumped into the sea and swam to the shore in safety. On Monday Mantle attended at the Townhall, Weymouth, when the mayor delivered to him the silver medal and 5l. from the Royal Humane Society; a like sum of money, and a bronze medal, from Lloyd’s; a beautiful watch, with a suitable inscription, from the inhabitants of Weymouth; 20l. by vote of the Lords of the Treasury; and 5l. from the Shipwreck Association. Mantle, whose officers have promoted him for his courage, was informed that the French Government was about to reward him with a gold medal, &c. In returning thanks for the various rewards given him, this brave man, with great modesty, assured the gentlemen that the result of his endeavors was his richest reward.” Dorset County Chronicle. Ship Incident


Day of Loss: 2

Month of Loss: 10

Year of Loss: 1839


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