In this episode of Steady As She Goes, we take a step back in time to reflect on two dramatic maritime incidents that unfolded on the very same day along the Wexford coast in 1860.
We begin with the story of the American ship Neptune of Boston, driven ashore on the Burrow of Ballyteigue while en route from the US to Liverpool with over 4,000 bales of cotton. Battling fog, wind, and heavy seas, her crew faced a perilous situation—but thanks to the efforts of local agent Edward Meadows and others, all lives were saved. We explore not only the wreck itself, but the remarkable afterlife of the ship, as parts of her structure found new purpose ashore in Kilmore Quay, becoming part of what would be known as “The Wooden House.”
We then turn to the Vanguard of New York, which ran aground on the Blackwater Bank the very same day. With the help of Arklow fishermen, the steam tug Erin, and the powerful steamer Fire Fly, a determined salvage effort unfolded involving cargo discharge, coordination ashore, and eventual rescue. It’s a story of seamanship, local knowledge, and the vital role of early maritime response.
This episode is a reflection on resilience at sea, the communities that supported those in distress, and the enduring legacy of shipwrecks along our coast.
⚓ Maritime history from Wexford and beyond
⚓ Stories of survival, salvage, and remembrance
⚓ A glimpse into 19th-century seafaring life
Join us as we remember these events, and the people behind them.
Ireland