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SS Red Crest

The SS Red Crest was a former small vessel owned by Liverpool and Arctic Steamers And Co. She was then sold to the Gem Line in May, 1890. She was remarkably similar to the new Gem Line Steamship "Jade", and they were placed on the same route and were running mates. Though Red Crest was a Gem Line Ship, she was one of the very few vessels to have a name non-relevant to a gemstone. She had a calm career until 1902, when she encountered a strong gale. The vessel's masts were torn right off, so she could only use morse lamps and distress flares to signal aid was needed. The vessel's old hull was smashed into walls of water and some of her portholes cracked and leaked water. Many waves battered her and many doors on the superstructure broke clear off and water rapidly poured into her. Her lifeboats, which were already determined to be "non-seaworthy" were swung out and very quickly were smashed to pieces or immediately capsized upon launching. Sadly, all 34 passengers on board that voyage perished in the sinking. It was a great surprise to many who knew the ship well that she did not capsize, as she was reported to be very unstable and she often caused a great amount of seasickness among her passengers.