2-982-193 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Accident at the Entry Lock of the East India Docks, Blackwall, [London], 1858. 'The vessels were the brig Ocean, of Shoreham, bound to Swansea, with a cargo of copper ore, and the collier brig Lustre, from South Shields, laden with coals. The Ocean had nearly got out of the lock when the Lustre came in from the river, and in progressing up the lock and passing the Ocean they became jammed. As the tide receded the position of the ships became most critical. The collier, with her heavy cargo of coals, careened over on to the starboard side of the Ocean, crushing her bulwarks and beams. The work of discharge and dismantling the vessels went on during the night, but on the flowing of the tide it was discovered that both vessels had sustained such damage that they filled...nothing could enter or pass out of the lock, and it was supposed that it would be necessary to blow them up; but on Thursday week they were raised, and towed out into the river...thus freeing the lock of the serious obstruction which had interrupted all communication with the river since the accident occurred...The mishap will occasion a serious loss to the company'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.