Norueguesa

Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia

The Norueguesa (alternatively Noruegvsa or Korvequesa). a schooner, registered in Spain, Captian Alegria or Algeria.

This vessel was in passage from Bilbao, Spain to Scalloway via Lerwick to load fish (cod). She departed Lerwick on December 18th 1862, but faced with strong head winds from the SW put in to Leven Wick for shelter. She rode at anchor until the wind veered and strengthened, first from the WNW, and then the N, from which she had no shelter. This caused her to drive ashore, and start to take water on December 19th.

She was surveyed on December 24th, and condemned as a wreck, and was sold with her materials on December 25th. She was subsequently refloated on January 5th 1863, but in a very leaky condition, and with a list, she quickly sank.

The above information concerning this wreck was prepared from that held in official records. However, the local media of the day reported additional, and in part conflicting information. Under the name Korvequess, the vessel was described as a brigantine, and that the hull, two anchors and chains were purchased by John Bruce of Sumburgh for the sum of £90.00. It is also stated that immediately after the sale that carpenters were put on board to patch up damage to the hull, with the view of floating the hull at the next high tide. As noted above, this was successful, but once she was in the middle of Leven Wick she suddenly began to rapidly fill with water and sank within minutes in 7 - 8 fathoms of water. So quick was her demise that the men onboard barely had time to reach the small boats, which fortunately were alongside at that moment. One unfortunate soul who had been below decks, and unaware of the unfolding fate of the vessel until she heeled over, was not so lucky, in attempting to escape by jumping through the main hatch of the vessel, lost his footing, went down with the vessel and perished.