Vintage Virgin Islands™

Let's keep the Virgin Islands' vibrant history alive!

The Cruise of the Diablesse visits St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1914

#OnThisDay in 1914, one of my favorite authors sailed into Charlotte Amalie harbor.

His name was Captain Frederic A. Fenger, an author and an explorer. He wrote several books, but this Caribbean adventure was captured in his 1926 novel, “The Cruise of Diablesse”.

He also wrote Alone in the Caribbean which chronicled his travels through the West Indies in his sailing canoe, the Yakaboo that he built and designed himself.

Many of his books are available online and would make a great addition to anyone's library. 📚

The Cruise of the Diablesse in the Danish West Indies ~ 1914

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The Loss of the sloop, KITE in the British Virgin Islands ~ 1901

The Loss of the British sloop, KITE from Tortola, British Virgin Islands ~ 1901 By Valerie Sims
Note: This image is a part of the Estus H. Magoon Collection, Item No. 1398. It is not an actual image of the Kite. It was used only to share this story.

The British sloop, KITE was a popular vessel sailing between the islands of Tortola and St. Thomas during the 1890s.

Like so many island boats, it was only a matter of time before she succumbed to Mother Nature in a sudden squall or hurricane. 

Despite those ominous probabilities, owning a vessel or having access to one was important for a family's survival.

Sudden Storm

The Kite's captain was Adolph O'Neal, most likely a BVIslander by birth, but he had strong ties to Sanchez in the Samana province of the Dominican Republic.

On a dark, rainy morning in July as he and his crew members were still sleeping, an ominous storm was closing in that would turn an ordinary day into a tragic one.

The four were fishing for turtles in an area known as the fishing grounds in British waters.  

On board were three brothers, Adolph, Nathaniel and Hubert O' Neal and their friend, John Donovan.  The brothers were cousins of Mr. Maurice O'Neal, a grocer.

The Kite's Accident

At three o'clock in the morning when it was pitch dark, the rainy weather suddenly became violent with what seemed like hurricane force winds.

So rough were the waves that they "picked up the boat and turned it bottom up"!

Traumatized and confused, they made for the nearby shore swimming as fast as they could.

Three of the men climbed the jagged rocks to safety. Nathaniel, one of the brothers, perished.

The following day, the newspapers reported the recovery of Nathaniel's body, "half eaten by sharks."

 Turtle Fishing

The Loss of the British sloop, KITE from Tortola, British Virgin Islands ~ 1901 By Valerie SimsThe group had been out fishing for two months and onboard, was a valuable collection of turtle shells which they planned to sell.

Sadly, everything was gone; their loved one, their fishing gear, their boat and their livelihood from the proceeds of the shell collection.

Rescuing the Shipwrecked Sailors

As the British sloop, Fame was passing by, she spotted the survivors and stopped to rescue them.

She was returning from the Dominican Republic on her way to Tortola with laborers.  

The Sloop, Fame

Henry O. Creque

The Fame was one of a handful of boats that transported passengers and freight directly between Road Town and S.P Macoris.

She was under the guidance of Captain J. Vanterpool with Henry O. Creque as her registered agent.  

Lost Vessels of the British Virgin Islands

For years no-one knew how many boats were lost, what their names were or what happened to them on their fateful days. 

With the digitization of old newspapers, it's now possible to search for the missing. We can finally learn the fates of those long forgotten vessels and their passengers.

Here are a few British boats that were recently re-discovered:

  • The Kite ~ lost in a squall ~ 1901
  • The Excell and Syria ~ both sunk in sudden squalls ~ 1907 and 1912
  • The Come Back ~ disappeared without a trace ~ 1916
  • The Spider and the Fancy Me ~ lost in hurricanes, 1916 and 1928 
  • The Lady Constance ~ driven onto the rocky shoreline ~ 1922 

Conclusion

Although the little fishing sloop, Kite and other BVI vessels have long since disappeared, rediscovering their stories has given them new life.  

They can finally tell their tales of tragedy and survival to new generations curious about their island's maritime history. ⚓️

Kite Passengers

Sept 9, 1895          Mrs. Sanberg & child, Angelina Daniel, Octavia Pursar, Sarah Williams
Jan 11, 1896          Maria Vanterpool and child
April 13, 1898       Henry O. Creque and sister, Evangeline Creque
May 20, 1898        Frederica Throne, Joseph Small, John Lucas
April 7, 1899         Regina Hodge, J. Jacobs
July 16, 1898         Sarah Ann Williams
Mar 28, 1899         E. Harrigan and Lorencine Rymer
April 8, 1899         Regina Hodge, J. Jacobs
Oct 26, 1899          J. A. Gonzalez and Mrs. Gonzalez
Nov 1, 1900           Mrs. Emilia Wells 
Nov 17, 1900         Sarah Nibbs, Mrs. Herucles and daughter

Copyright © 2017 Valerie Sims.  All Rights Reserved.

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Happy National Maritime Day ~ US Virgin Islands

The maritime history of the Virgin Islands is fascinating! ⛵️ 

For stories about some of the historic vessels that sailed our seas visit the Creque Marine Railway page. It's a great way to honor National Maritime Day.

Happy National Maritime Day ~ US Virgin Islands

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Admiral Henry T. Mayo, Commander of the North Atlantic Fleet, passes St. Croix, Danish West Indies ~ 1917

american fleet on horizon

Imagine looking out to the horizon and seeing a flotilla of battleships coming into view!  🔭 

On a cloudy January morning, citizens in Christiansted witnessed an unusual fleet of Naval ships just beyond the three mile limit. 

As word spread, residents rushed down to the shore to see for themselves.

When they noticed the first battleship round Ham's Bluff, instead of being afraid, they shouted Hurrah!"

Forty-four vessels formed almost an entire chain around the bay! It was such an imposing sight as they slowly passed, all within a certain distance of each other.  

The ships were later identified as American vessels belonging to the North Atlantic Fleet.  

The North Atlantic Fleet

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt combined the North Atlantic Fleet with the South Atlantic Squadron.

This was done as a show of naval strength and solidarity as well as protecting the newly acquired bases in the Caribbean like Puerto Rico.  

Included were several divisions of gunboats, torpedo flotillas, transport boats, cruisers, destroyers and submarines. 

American Enters World War I

Just a week after the Danish West Indies were ceded to the United States, America joined its allies to fight in World War I.

As citizens watched the battleship formation cross their view, they had no idea that life as they knew it was about to change.

 List of Vessels 

Here's a list of some of the vessels in the fleet with links to their stories. 🇺🇸

Copyright © 2017 Valerie Sims.  All Rights Reserved.

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The FIRST visit of the Danish Training Ship, DANMARK to the US Virgin Islands ~ 1934

The First visit of the Danish Training ship, DANMARK to the US Virgin Islands ~ 1934 By Valerie Sims

This week marks the anniversary of the first visit of the Danish Training ship, Danmark to our shores. 🇩🇰

In 1934, Virgin Islanders rolled out the red carpet for the crew and cadets when they arrived.

Gallantly entertained at the home of Consul-General Thage and Mrs. Thage, the officers enjoyed a sumptuous buffet supper.  The following day, a picnic was planned for everyone at Lindbergh Beach. ⛱ 

The DANMARK

The 252-foot ship was built in 1932 for the Merchant Marine.

She was beautifully rigged and carried 26 sails! This gave her 17,000 square feet of sail area for optimum speed.

Her crew was comprised of one hundred and thirty-eight men and eight officers with one hundred and twenty apprentices, some as young as 15 years of age.

During the 1950s, Governor deCastro held a dinner-dance reception for the apprentices. Our mother and her sister enjoyed their hospitality and learned a few words in Danish that they've never forgotten.

Semi-Centennial Attendance

On March 30, 1967, the Danmark sailed from Frederiksted to St. Thomas to be a part of the island's commemoration.

Commander Vilhelm Hansen, who was captain, teacher and father to his cadets extended a present for Gov. Ralph M. Paiewonsky and was warmly welcomed.  Captain since May of 1963, this was his second cruise to the Virgin Islands.

Poem for the DANMARK Officers & Cadets

Poem for the First visit of the Danish Training Ship, DANMARK to the US Virgin Islands ~ 1934

JP Gimenez - The First visit of the Danish Training Ship, DANMARK to the US Virgin Islands ~ 1934
J.P. Gimenez

By his own endeavor, a prolific poet, Mr. JP Gimenez wrote and dedicated a new poem to welcome those from the former Mother country. 

He was later rewarded with a personal cable from the King which read, In appreciation of your poem which you dedicated to the Danish school-ship, Danmark, "Best thanks, Christian"

Touring the DANMARK

Through the courtesy of Honorable Thage, a group of local newspapermen received invitations to visit the ship. Our grandfather was one of the lucky few.

Commander of the vessel, Captain Ankers, sent a launch for the party and welcomed the gentlemen with an amiability that must be long remembered.

Visiting Media Guests

Leon A. Mawson - The First visit of the Danish Training Ship, DANMARK to the US Virgin Islands ~ 1934
Leon A. Mawson, New York Times Correspondent ~ Grandfather

Headed by Honorable Leroy Nolte, Dean of Editors, who once managed the Danish Tidende, the scribes included:

  1. Mr. Abram Smith, Manager of the Bulletin
  2. Mr. Antonio Jarvis, Editor, the Daily News
  3. Hon. Conrad Corneiro
  4. Mr. Ariel Melchoir
  5. Mr. Algernon Francis representing the Emancipator
  6. Mr. George Blake of the Associated Press
  7. Mr. Adolph Gereau of the United Press
  8. Mr. Leon A. Mawson of the New York Times 
  9. Mr. Leander Henderson, staff officer to Consul General Thage.

A comprehensive tour of the ship was made under the expert guidance of the Captain and the First Mate who supplied volumes of information.  

Every point of interest, from the plan of the ship to the figurehead received the utmost attention.

Captain Ankers spoke excellent English.  

He was fond of witty comments and enlivened the Kings of the Quill with many jokes over a tea table where coffee, brandy and a version of Aquavit was served. 🍷

Honorable Conrad Corneiro

The Honorables, Leroy Nolte and Conrad Corneiro spoke briefly, toasting to His Majesty, the ship and to old memories. 👑

Captain Ankers reminded the assembly that since Denmark had owned the islands for over two hundred fifty years, a mere sixteen or so years could not erase the feeling of affectionate regard which still pervades all classes of Danes for the onetime colonies.  

He assured the group, that although loyalty to the United States was unquestioned, memories of paternal Denmark were evergreen in the hearts of the older people who knew and loved Dannebrog.

Departing the DANMARK

The First visit of the Danish Training Ship, DANMARK to the US Virgin Islands ~ 1934Before departing, the writers purchased cigars and postcards as farewell souvenirs. ✉️ 🚬

The launch then took them around the bow of the ship to view the figurehead of Neptune with the forked trident and horn.

With a feeling of warmth, a group of cadets cheered loudly and waved good-bye as the visitors returned to King's Wharf. The guests replied with grateful cheers of their own.

DANMARK'S Role in US History

Five years later, the Danmark played a significant role in the history of the United States. 🇺🇸 

In 1939, when she was on a routine training mission to the US, Germany invaded Denmark. The ship was therefore unable to return home.  

In a kind gesture, the Captain offered President Roosevelt the use of his ship which he gladly accepted. As a result, the Danmark was instrumental in training more than five thousand US Sailors.

When the Danmark finally returned home in 1945, the US took as a prize of war, the Horst Wessel, to train its cadets. She was renamed the US EAGLE.

Today, the Danmark is given the first position behind the US EAGLE in the Parade of Tall Ships in honor of her service to the US.

DANMARK'S Historic Visit

The Danmark's first visit was a historic moment in Virgin Islands history.

It was the first official ship from Denmark to visit since the transfer of the islands to the United States in 1917.

On March 28, 2017, the Danmark will return once again.  

She will grace the harbor adding a touch of nostalgia and grace during the commemoration of the US Virgin Islands Transfer Centennial. 🇩🇰 ~ 🇺🇸

Copyright © 2017 Valerie Sims.  All Rights Reserved.

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Damaged Derrick Barge Hauled at the Creque Marine Railway, Hassel Island, US Virgin Islands ~ 1933

Hurricane damage Derrick barge K-15 hauled at the Creque Marine Railway, Hassel Island, US Virgin Islands ~ 1933 By Valerie Sims
The barge had a dead weight of 325 tons. The length of her keel was 100 feet, beam 38 & draft 4 feet.

The September 1932 hurricane wrecked havoc on the maritime industry in the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.⚡️

Boat owners were writing to the owner of the Creque Marine Railway to reserve space at the slip.  It was shaping up to be a busy season for them. 🛠

One such letter Mr. Creque received was from Captain W.K. Kennerley of Puerto Rico.

He was the Vice-President of the Porto Rico Coal Company with offices in New York.

Three of his vessels were damaged in the hurricane and needed repairs; the fueling barge Leyland, the tug Berwind and the Derrick barge K-15.

What is a Derrick Barge?

Hurricane damage Derrick barge K-15 hauled at the Creque Marine Railway, Hassel Island, US Virgin Islands ~ 1933 By Valerie SimsThe floating Derrick barge provided a wide range of lifting capabilities for the marine industry.  

It was designed to handle heavy lifting tasks while in shallow water.

The K-15 worked on the West Indian Company dock loading heavy barrels of materials.

Damage 

During the hurricane, the barge was thrown onto a shallow beach in the port of Yabucoa in the southeastern part of Puerto Rico.

At the request of the Lloyd's Insurance agent, Captain Kennerly hired harbormaster Captain E.L. Simmons of St. Thomas to survey her hull.

Below were his findings on her condition.

Survey of the Derrick Barge

Captain Simmons made various hammer tests of the plating and found it to be in good condition.

He then examined her cage tanks and found several dents in numbers 2, 3, and 5.  

He had no doubt those dents were caused by the barge pounding on the bottom during a heavy sea. 

His report suggested removing all the worn and leaky rivets in the tanks as well as scraping and painting her hull.  For his services, he received thirty five dollars.

Barge's Invoice

Hurricane damage Derrick barge K-15 hauled at the Creque Marine Railway, Hassel Island, US Virgin Islands ~ 1933 By Valerie Sims
1933 ~ Creque Marine Railway Invoice

The August 1933 invoice for hauling and maintenance was $275.00.  

With the passing of deadly hurricanes in 1924, 1928 and 1932, the railway was kept busy with a constant stream of vessels in need of urgent repairs. ⛴⛵️🚤

Copyright © 2016 Valerie Sims.  All Rights Reserved.

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