2-914-106 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Wreck of the Troop-ship "Charlotte" - Attempt of the Life-Boat, 1854. British soldiers lost at sea off the coast of South Africa, during the Crimean War. '"Never was there known such a melancholy occurrence here before, there being such protracted misery on board during the time the ship was breaking up; while, of the thousands who were looking on, none could help." The Sketch shows the ship "at the time the life boat attempted to reach her; but, at this time, all on board were clinging to her for life or death; every sea breaking over her, and making her roll so frightfully that they were unable even to give a proper rope; many on board by this time were killed and others wounded attempting to swim on shore". The foreground of this Sketch is Patrick-street, Port Elizabeth...lost - 62 soldiers, 11 women, and 26 children [as well as 17 members of the crew]'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.