25 November 1888
The Estrella de Chile was wrecked in the Solway Firth on 25 November 1888 while carrying a cargo of steel rails from Whitehaven to Rosario, Argentina. The ship first became stranded on a bank to the north of Workington Bank; but floating free it later ran aground on Robin Rigg Sand. As the position worsened, and the ship filled with water, the crew sought refuge on the rigging and the first mate, drowned after being knocked from the mizzen mast. The rest of the crew were rescued by Maryport lifeboat Civil Service No. 5.
On 18 and 19 December 1888, the court of enquiry into the wreck found that the master had misjudged the ship’s position. However, the enquiry did not recommend the suspension of his Master mariner certificate in deference to his record, diligence in the performance of his duties in difficult waters, and his ship having been cast off in a less than ideal position by the tug that towed it from Whitehaven.
