H.M.S. CERBERUS
By Capt. Dan Berg

The H.M.S. Cerberus was a 5th Rate 32 gun ship of 701 bm ( an early measurement of tonnage). She was 126 feet long, 35.5 feet wide and was built by Randall at Rotherhithe. The Cerberus was launched on June 15, 1779.

Researcher Andrea Cordani was able to trace down some clues to the cause of theCerberus sinking. She found a reference in the book ADMIRALTY LIST OF SHIPS LOST 1759-1815, about a midshipman's lost pay book. It states that the midshipman, "served till 21 February 1783 at which time Cerberus was lost coming out of Castle Harbour in the Island of Bermuda..."  After a little more research, we found other references that told us that the officers and crew of the Cerberus went aboard the French prize, La Sybil, and that Sir Jacob Wheate, Captain of the Cerberus, later contracted fever and died in February 1783. A court martial was held on October 18, 1783, on board the H.M.S. Dictator.  Gunner H. Shrewsbury reported that the pilot had come aboard and ordered the ship un moor'd. A few minutes after passing the Castle, the ship struck the rocks. His statement continues about unsuccessful action taken to save the ship, including cutting the masts away and throwing guns and shot overboard. The crew was then ordered to abandon ship and were taken to the castle. The ship had water up to the ports. In days following the sinking, the crew did manage to salvage some guns and carriages. Due to the loss of the Cerberus, the Admiralty forbade the further use of Castle Harbour as an anchorage for H.M. Ships.

According to Mike Davis, this wreck is also known as the Musket Ball Wreck simply due to the abundance of balls found on the site.
 

The information listed above was taken with permission from the Book:
BERMUDA SHIPWRECKS,  ISBN # 0-9616167-4-1
A Vacationing Divers Guide to Bermudas Shipwrecks,
by Dan and Denise Berg, 6x9 softcover,73 pages.
Retail $14.95

 

Now also Available as an instant download printable PDF eBook

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