Hamilla Mitchell Explained

The Hamilla Mitchell was a ship owned by Thomas Mitchell of Glasgow, which left Gravesend, England on 5 April 1869 and sank on the Leuconna Rock near Shanghai in August 1869 whilst carrying cargo valued at £150,000 and £50,000 in coins. The crew survived. A large amount of the cargo was subsequently salvaged using specialised diving equipment and after escaping Chinese pirates.[1] [2] [3]

Recovery of treasure

The underwriters paid Captain Lodge to recover the treasure, who then secured the services of divers Robert Ridyard and William Penk of Liverpool.[4] They made their way to Shanghai and chartered a small vessel to approach the Hamilla Mitchell. As the Hamilla Mitchell was among high rocks, they then used the small boat that they had towed. Using specialised diving apparatus, Ridyard and Penk located the Hamilla Mitchell with its stern over-hanging deep water. Ridyard managed to break into the strong room. Inside the strong room were treasure chests, many of which had fallen apart, with the floor covered in gold coins. Ridyard undertook 4 trips down to the strong room and was able to bring to the surface £40,000 coins, consisting of at least 64 boxes [5] After resurfacing, Captain Lodge, Ridyard and Penk became aware of Chinese pirate junks in large numbers pursuing them. The pirates pursued them until sunset, when they were able to safety get to Shanghai with their treasure.[6] A newspaper article from 1910 states that: "The balance was recovered some time later."[7]

Features and history

The Hamilla Mitchell was owned by Thomas Mitchell of Glasgow and commanded by Captain Branscombe. It was made out of iron and weighed almost 1000 tons.[8] She had been launched in 1864 and built by Denny & Rankin, Dumbarton,[9] [10] the second ship of that name for John Mitchell named after his daughter.[11] [4] Her first voyage was to New Zealand.[12]

Notes and References

  1. News: 12 November 1870 . Shipping . 4 . . 28 March 2023.
  2. Davis . Sir Robert H. . 14 September 1934 . Deep Diving and Under-Water Rescue . . 82 . 4269 . 1083–1101 . 41360206 . JSTOR.
  3. News: 22 September 1869 . Wreck of a British Ship. Loss, £200,000 . 4 February 2024 . Blackburn Standard . British Library Newspapers.
  4. Web site: Chamberlain . Tim . In Search of the 'Hamilla Mitchell' . Waymarks . 3 February 2013 . 13 May 2022.
  5. News: 11 June 1898 . Treasure-seekers Chased By Pirates . 25 . . 13 May 2022.
  6. Book: Masters . David . The Wonders of Salvage . 1924 . The Bodley Head . London . 58–64.
  7. News: 26 December 1910 . Divers Recover Much Treasure . 11 . The San Francisco Call . 28 March 2023.
  8. News: 25 September 1869 . "The British Ship Hamiila Mitchell" [Untitled Notice] ]. 315 . The Illustrated London News . 28 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220314193155/https://books.google.com/books?id=mJlQAAAAYAAJ . 14 March 2022 . bot: unknown .
  9. Web site: HAMILLA MITCHELL . 4 February 2024 . Clyde Ships.
  10. News: 28 April 1864 . Gotland . Greenock Advertiser . 4 . On Saturday, there was launched from the building yard of Messrs Denny & Rankin, Dumbarton, large iron clipper ship. She was named the Hamilla Mitchell, by Mrs James Holmes, Fern Lodge, Glasgow, daughter of the owner of the ship, John Mitchell, Esq. This fine vessel is intended for the China trade, but will proceed on her first voyage to New Zealand with passengers, for the comfortable conveyance of whom she is admirably adapted, having a largo full poop, spacious deck houses, and being very lofty ’tween decks..
  11. News: 16 January 1868 . Marriages . Fife Herald . 3 . British Library Newspapers . the Rev. Peter Pennycook, minister of the Parish of Carnock, Fife, to Hamilla, daughter of John Mitchell, Esq. of Moore Park..
  12. News: 13 June 1864 . Emigration to New Zealand . 6 February 2024 . Glasgow Herald . British Library Newspapers . The fine ship Hamilla Mitchell, Capt. Branscombe, sailed from the Tail of the Bank on Saturday for Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. The Hamilla Mitchell is chartered by Messrs. Potter, Wilson & Co. for the voyage, the ship being the property of John Mitchell, Esq. Her passengers number 181, Captain McKenzie, R N., Government emigration officer at this port, having expressed himself satisfied with the arrangements made for their accommodation. Dr. McCandlish goes as surgeon of the ship..

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