Samson (crane barge)

Samson was a crane barge which ran aground off the coast of Ireland in 1987.

Samson
Samson in July 2017
History
United Kingdom
NameSamson
OperatorMersey Docks & Harbour Board
Port of registryMalta
RouteUK
BuilderLobnitz & Company
Completed1959
FateShipwreck at 51°56′36″N 7°42′33″W
Malta
NameSamson
IdentificationIMO number: 5308988
General characteristics
Tonnage974 tonnes
Length54.86 m (180 ft 0 in)
Beam17.51 m (57 ft 5 in)
Installed power1,748 bhp
Propulsion2 × Paxman 12YLX diesel generators
Crew2 (minimum)

Samson had left Liverpool on 9 December 1987, bound for Valletta, Malta. Though the barge was initially being towed by a tugboat, the towline parted in near gale force conditions while off the Welsh coast early on 11 December. The two men aboard the barge were rescued by an RAF Sea King flying from RAF Brawdy, after attempts to reconnect the tow line failed.

The barge eventually ran aground at Rams Head, Ardmore, County Waterford, at approximately 7.50 am on 12 December. Dangerous pollutants were removed soon after the barge went aground, but despite questions being raised in the Dáil Éireann, the wrecked barge was not salvaged and remains in situ. The ships' propeller was removed and put on display in the village of Ardmore.

In April 2016 the entire jib collapsed into the sea.

  • The Samson, seen from the cliffs at Rams Head
    The Samson, seen from the cliffs at Rams Head
  • Samson, after the collapse of the jib, April 2016.
    Samson, after the collapse of the jib, April 2016.
  • Samson's propeller, which was removed and put on display in the town of Ardmore.
    Samson's propeller, which was removed and put on display in the town of Ardmore.

References
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