Carl Constantine

The Carl Constantine, (alternatively Carl Constantin), a wooden hulled brig, 245 Net or Gross Tons (the available records are in dispute), built 1856, owner Fahl. Stralsund, Germany, Captain F. Saalman (alternatively Saatman), nine crew, two of whom perished, seven were saved.

While in passage with a cargo of coal from Shields, England to Kiel Germany was wrecked on Fogli/Fugli Stack, Fair Isle on December 6th 1876 during SSE Force 10 wind conditions.

Having developed a leak which, it is said, had accumulated twelve foot deep of water onboard, plus having had much of her rigging torn away making her virtually unmanagable, and her bulwarks and lifeboat smashed from the weather conditions, the decision was taken to beach the vessel to save life. She struck Fogli/Fugli Stack, and the Captain attempted to jump on to the rock, but fell short and was crushed to death by the vessel. The seven remaining survivors, the ship's carpenter having already been lost at sea some three days previously, were luckier and managed to scramble ashore on to the stack safely, where they clung on just above water level.

Local Fair Isle men dragged a boat overland from Kirkigeo to Hestigeo and twice went out to the stack to effect a full rescue. This feat was subsequently recognised by the German Government who presented the helmsman Thomas Wilson with a silver watch, and cash awards to the others involved, Alexander Eunson, William Eunson, William Wilson, Stewart Wilson and Laurence Irvine.