Swiftsure (brig)
 Zéphir and Inconstant. | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name: |
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| Port of registry: |
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| In service: | 1811 |
| Out of service: | c.1831 |
| Fate: | Wrecked |
| General characteristics | |
| Class & type: | brig |
| Tons burthen: | 337 tons BOM |
| Draught: | 14 feet (4.3 m) |
| Propulsion: | Sails |
| Sail plan: | Brig |
Swiftsure was a 337-ton brig that was built in 1811 as Inconstant. In 1815, she was used by Napoleon to escape from exile on Elba. She was later seized by the British as a prize of war. Swiftsure was wrecked off the coast of Queensland in 1831.
Description
The ship was assessed at 337 tons Builder's Old Measurement. A single decked ship, she was rigged as a brig. Fully laden, she had a draught of 14 feet (4.3 m).[1]
History
The ship was built in 1811 as Inconstant for a French owner.[1][2] on 26 February 1815, Inconstant was used by Napoleon to escape from exile in Elba.[3]
By 1828,[4] Inconstant had been seized by the British as a prize of war. She was renamed Swiftsure and put into service between the United Kingdom, New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land[2][4] Sometime before 10 July 1831, she was wrecked in the Torres Strait 3.8 nautical miles (7 km) off the Cape York Peninsula, near the mouth of the Lockhart River.[2][5]
The wreck of the vessel was discovered in November 2014. The discovery was officially announced in June 2015.[2]
References
- 1 2 "Lloyd's Register of Shipping". Lloyd's of London. 1830: 584. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 Ferrier, Tracey. "Napoleon's getaway ship 'found in Queensland'". MSN News Australia. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
- ↑ "Postscript". Liverpool Mercury etc (195) (Liverpool). 24 March 1815.
- 1 2 "(advertisement)" The Times (London). Monday, 2 June 1828. (13608), col A, p. 1.
- ↑ "(untitled)". Freeman's Journal and Daily Commercial Advertiser. 24 November 1831.