PS Red Rover

1835 Built

'In 1836 the RED ROVER was wrecked. (according to N. W. Kennedy in 'Records of Early British Steamships). Presumably there was a second boat named RED ROVER, as it is recorded that the RED ROVER was always regarded as a fast boat; in 1843 she was considerably modernised, and later in that year was tried against the screw steamer MERMAID which had lately been fitted with Rennie’s patent propeller. From the Long Reach Tavern down to Gravesend—a ten mile course - the MERMAID gained about 300 yards.” One Sunday afternoon in November, 1843, the RED ROVER left Herne Bay on her return to London with between 200 and 300 passengers and when close to the Nore and about five miles off shore, a loud noise was heard causing great consternation amongst the passengers. The captain gave orders to let go the anchor. After the confusion had somewhat died down it was ascertained that the piston crosshead had snapped, thus disabling one of the engines. The RED ROVER proceeded with only one engine, arriving at Blackwall three hours late.'

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