Storm of 7th December 1886
On the night of Tuesday, 7 December 1886, and continuing into the early hours of Wednesday, 8 December, a violent gale swept across the United Kingdom. Regarded as one of the most severe storms in recent years, it caused widespread disruption nationwide and was responsible for numerous maritime incidents[1].
Impact in Hastings and St. Leonards[edit]
In the towns of Hastings and St. Leonards, the storm reached its peak intensity on the morning of 8 December. Despite the ferocity of the weather, no serious damage was reported to either public or private property. However, several trees were uprooted in Alexandra Park, The Croft and Old London Road, windows broken, and chimney pots were dislodged. Scaffolding around the new hospital being constructed at White Rock was dislodged, as was the scaffolds surrounding new houses being built in Braybrook Road[2]. While some residents reportedly experienced close calls, no injuries were officially recorded. The sea was notably turbulent, and waves crashed heavily against the shore. Fortunately, the high tide occurred around 9:00 a.m., minimizing the potential for flooding. Although sea spray swept across the parades, the water did not extend significantly beyond them[1].
Loss of R.X. 3[edit]
The storm however had tragic consequences for the local fishing community. On the evening of 7 December, four fishing vessels had set out from Hastings. As conditions deteriorated around midnight, two of the boats returned safely with their catches. The remaining two vessels failed to return, raising concern among local residents.
By the morning of 8 December, anxiety had intensified, prompting telegrams to be sent to nearby coastal towns, including Rye, in an effort to locate the missing boats. The vessels were commanded by Mr. Fullager (of the boat Hard Times) and Mr. William ("Peter") Bumstead (of the Jane and Elizabeth which was owned by his cousin[2]). At approximately 11:00 a.m., Mr. W. Adams, a local fish salesman, received a telegram from Hythe reporting that nets and barrels marked “R.X. No. 3” — the registration number of Bumstead’s boat — had washed ashore, suggesting a possible shipwreck.
Shortly thereafter, it was confirmed that Hard Times had reached Folkestone Harbour safely. However, this was followed by the distressing news that Bumstead’s vessel had been found capsized and driven ashore near Hythe. There was no sign of the crew, and it was initially feared that all seven men on board had perished.[1]
Survivor Account[edit]
Later that day, it was discovered that one crew member, a boy named Consemore White, had survived. Reports from witnesses in Hythe indicated that the vessel had attempted to seek shelter near Dungeness, but was driven toward the sea wall near Dymchurch after her moorings parted during the gale. The boat capsized approximately half a mile from shore whilst attempting to tack into the wind, having been caught broadside by a heavy wave about 1/2 mile from shore[2].
According to White, all seven crew members initially clung to the upturned vessel. One by one, they were swept away by the waves. White and Mr. Bumstead managed to hold onto a seat board from the stern, but they too were separated. White, reportedly a strong swimmer, reached shore unaided and was assisted by soldiers from a nearby fort. Bumstead and the remaining crew members were lost.[1]
Casualties[edit]
By the evening of Thursday, 9 December, four bodies had been recovered. The deceased were identified as:
Mr. William Bumstead (skipper), of Wood’s Passage
Mr. Charles Brazier (known as “Old Tring”), of Bourne Walk
Mr. William Brazier (his son), of Lennox Street, Halton
Mr. Lepper, of High Bank, Ore
Mr. Henry Dunstan, of St. Leonards
Mr. Veness, of Tackleway
An inquest was held at Hythe on 9 December. During the proceedings, the survivor, Consemore White, provided a detailed account of the events leading to the capsizing:
- "We left Hastings on Tuesday night with seven men aboard. At about midnight, when we had rounded Dungeness Point, the gale increased in strength and the anchor cable parted. It was raining heavily and the night was extremely dark. We attempted to run ashore, but the boat overturned. We all climbed onto the bottom of the boat, but the sea soon washed us off. We all tried to swim, but I was the only one who reached the shore. I remember that a corporal helped me once I neared land."[1]
The bodies of the deceased were returned to Hastings for burial. In the interim, a relief fund was set up for the bereaved families, the estimated value required being £300 , of which over £100 had been raised in the time between the sinking and the local papers going to press on the following Friday and Saturday[2].
