From Cheshire Observer, Saturday 12 October 1889.
PARKGATE. THE STORM: GREAT DESTRUCTION OF FISHING BOATS.
The storm of Monday morning [7th October 1889] last was severely
felt along the Cheshire coast, and the full force of the gale must have fallen
upon Parkgate. In the early hours of the morning the inhabitants were roused
by the tempestuous blast which swept across the Estuary, and the fishing
community were soon astir to prepare for the forthcoming onslaught upon their
little fishing fleet. It was anticipated that the incoming tide and gale
combined would severely try the moorings of the little craft, and every
precaution was taken to enable them to ride out the storm.
The mussels raked
on the Saturday evening were bagged and carted to the quay, and the empty
boats were anchored as securely aa possible. As the tide rolled in, however,
it was evident that some at least of the boats were doomed, and a group of
some thirty fishermen and others gathered upon the shore to render such
assistance as was possible. The waves rushed in upon the quays with almost
un-exampled severity, and soon the spray was being hurled over the roadway and
splashed upon the houses upon the opposite side. Boat after boat began to drag
its anchor, and soon several of them broke loose and headed straight for the
wall. An exciting scene ensued. The tide, lifted by the wind, scaled the
parapet and flung wave after wave high in the air, while the boats that had
broken from their anchorage charged at the quay like so many animated
battering rams. Three boats (viz. Cunningham's and Herberts', sen. and
jun.) committed suicide at the bastion or donkey stand together, and the
spectators could do nothing to save them. Webster's trawling boat and
Fewtrell's punt came to grief at the same spot, and such was the fury of the
tide that the punt in a shattered condition was thrown into the bigger boat,
and there it remained.
Meanwhile an exciting scene was being enacted at the Square opposite the Hall. William Mealor's punt bore down upon the wall at this point, and the band of workers succeeded in throwing a boathook with a rope attached into it. By this time the tide was rolling up the Square, and a glimpse of the parapet of the quay wall could only be gained at intervals; yet the united strength of the whole party could not draw the boat on shore. The waves were rolling over the lamp-post and amid the screams of the women, who fully expected some of the party to be washed into the river, the rope was made fast about the boat. A favourable opportunity shortly afterwards arose, and the boat was dragged in triumph up the Square. Another boat (Joseph Taylor's) that was anchored off the Convalescent Home broke loose, and, passing the Square, stopped opposite the master's door, and made desperate efforts to leap the wall. This freak was so noticeable, that one of the fisherwomen, taking in the humour of the situation, bawled out "Why don't thee open the front door and let her in the parlour?" By the efforts of the fishermen this boat was landed in the roadway by its owner's door without receiving any damage. Several boats were lifted by the tide upon the wall, and after resting there an instant were swept back and destroyed. Many of the houses were inundated, and in one instance, where a child was being washed at the fireside, a wave entered by the front door, swept away the washing mug, and passed out through the back door. It is needless to say that mother and child beat a hasty retreat in the same direction.
When the tide went down and the storm abated somewhat it was found that 23 boats were either beaten to pieces or shattered beyond hope of repair. The total damage, including the loss of tackle, will be about £200 ; and in many cases, particularly where a family have lost two boats, the consequences will be very sad. In many instances the fishermen find themselves instantly deprived of the means of making a livelihood, and this too at a time when mussels, one of the staple industries, are plentiful. Only a very small proportion of the sufferers will receive assistance from the "boat club" (Shipwrecked Mariners' Society). The following is an almost Complete list of the boats totally wrecked :- Thomas Jones trawling boat; Thomas Robinson, trawling boat and punt; John Bedson, trawling boat; William Handley, trawling boat; C. Cunningham, two punts (one rigged as a trawler). The following lost punts only:- Herbert (senior and junior), Benjamin Higgins, Wm. Campion, William Jones, Christopher Jones, Michael Murray, jun., Samuel Mellor, senr., Harry Peters, Wm. Peters, Edward Brown, and George Fewtrell.