Fido Reported Lost – 114 Years Ago
Wreckage was reported on June 15, 1898, from the barquentine Fido. The 525 gt sailing vessel Fido had left Newcastle bound for Auckland, New Zealand on May 5, 1898 with 710 tons of coal and coke. Shortly after departing, the Fido with Captain Morrison and the 11 crew on board were struck by a strong gale. The fate of the Fido was unknown for over a month. Some assumed the vessel may had been demasted or had run aground on a desolate beach. It was not too uncommon to have a sailing vessel be reported safe even several weeks later. However, all hope was lost when bits of wood were discovered with the name “Fido” on it. News reports of the time determined that the Fido was overwhelmed in the gale and foundered with all hands. Later reports place the Fido somewhere off Newcastle, Red Head, Nine Mile Beach. The Fido was built in 1876 at Arendal, Norway.
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