Sinking Of The Rochdale And The Prince Of Wales
The Rochdale and the Prince of Wales were two troop ships that sank in Dublin Bay in 1807.
Dublin Port had long been dangerous because it was accessible only at high tide and was subject to sudden storms. Many ships were lost while waiting for the tide, but little was done until this disaster. The impact of 400 bodies being washed up on an urban shore had an effect on public and official opinion. This event was the impetus to the building of Dún Laoghaire Harbour.
On November 19, 1807 several ships left Dublin carrying troops bound for the Napoleonic war. The next day, two ships, the brig Rochdale and H.M. Packet ship Prince of Wales, having been caught in gale force winds and heavy snow, were lost. Troops on the Prince of Wales may have been deliberately locked below deck while the ship’s captain and crew escaped. No lifeboat was launched. There was looting.
Read more about Sinking Of The Rochdale And The Prince Of Wales: Maritime Background, Military Background, HM Packet Ship Prince of Wales, Rochdale, Lifeboats, Looting, Murder Charge, Dún Laoghaire Harbour, Reading
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