Note: MNL has two small wooden vessels called Alma present in 1880 and absent in 1882, the other was described as a schooner (not flat) of 78t registered at Liverpool and owned by John Brundit of Runcorn.
Lloyd's List 15 Sept 1881:
LIVERPOOL, Sept. 14 1881: The Alma flat, of Runcorn, with a cargo
of about 20 tons of rectified vitriol [concentrated sulphuric acid],
sank at 62 per chart, between H 2 black buoy and 1 bell buoy; only part
of mainsail and mast above water.
Shipping and Mercantile Gazette, 16 Sept 1881:
Report of George Langton, Master of
the flat Alma, of Runcorn, 27 tons, from Liverpool, Sept. 13, at 2:30 P.M.,
for Connah's Quay, with rectified vitriol (15 to 20 tons): Previous to leaving
the dock, I examined her and found she had no water in her. We sailed out of
the river and down the Rock Channel, sea smooth, boat towing astern. At about
9:30 PM, tide being flood, weather fine, wind calm, with a smooth sea, the
vessel was brought to anchor close to either No. 1 or No. 2 buoy, Horse
Channel. After coming to anchor I noticed that our head was lower in the water
than usual, and went into the forecastle to see the cause, when I found that
the water in her there reached to my knees, and was rising rapidly. I could
not see where it was coming in, so we at once set one pump to work and kept it
going as hard as we possibly could. Soon after we came to anchor another flat
came and assisted us in pumping, and also in trying to get us on to the East
Hoyle, but she would not come off the six and four feet flats, and about
half-past 10 she went down there. We only left her about a minute before she
sank. I have no idea of the leak. So far as I know she did not touch ground
after leaving dock.
MDHB records the sinking as near Spencer Spit Buoy. After dispersal, the remaining wreckage was at 6.2m below Chart Datum. Their position is 53°25' 53"N, 3°11'35"W (OSGB) which corresponds to the WGS position given above. This position is no longer charted.
See also here.