RICHARD P. BUCK
By Capt. Dan Berg

The 1,490 ton vessel, Richard P. Buck, was enroute from Philadelphia to San Francisco under the command of Captain Carver. She had a2,149 ton general cargo in her holds, which included kerosene and whiskey. On April 13, 1889, the vessel had encountered a violent storm, which caused extensive damage to her sails and rigging. After surviving the storm, the crewlater discovered the ship to be on fire. Captain Carver immediately summoned help and the steam tug, Gladisfen, proceeded to her aid. The Gladisfen towed the Buck to shore, but by this time the rapidly spreading fire, fueled by her flammable cargo, had engulfed the entire ship. The Bermuda Royal Gazette reported that "A very large number of spectators thronged the hills in the vicinity to witness the exciting, but sad spectacle, afforded by the brief destruction of so much valuable property."

Mike Davis reports that the burned remains of the Richard P. Buck can still be found off St. Georges. Divers will find some scattered wood beams and brass spikes 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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