2-888-738 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Launch of the "Pelican", Iron Screw Steam-Ship, at Cork, [Ireland], 1850. 'Her amount of tonnage will approach 850 tons, and her steam- power about 200 horses...Too much praise cannot be bestowed on the directory, with their excellent chairman, Mr. Pike, who thus, at a period when all looked gloom, commenced such an undertaking, and thus at once found employment for an establishment of 286 persons. Notwithstanding the vast crowds who assembled, on pier, quay, and water, owing to the judicious arrangements of the directors not a single accident occurred. All present admitted that anything of its kind so splendid as the launch of the Pelican they never witnessed. The vessel is built in compartments, and was christened in due form by Miss Pike'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.