Orkney Image Library

Perhaps its the Norwegian steamer Hastings County ashore on Auskerry 13th June 1926.

Could this ship be the "Hastings County"that ran aground below the lighthouse at Auskerry 1926?

Is she carrying a bus as deck cargo? Looks like a freighter, 4 derricks are stowed over the hatches

Could possibly the FORENTINO which was used as a blockshipin the flow ??

the white funnel band shows the Donaldson Line ships

Can't solve the mystery, but what's that structure on the far (starboard) side of the after mast?

Could be the Norwegian steamer "Pennsylvania", which was wrecked on Swona on July 1931. However, I am not at all certain of this.

Norwegian ship Hastings County ashore on Auskerry

In Days of Orkney Steam (opposite p54) there is a photo of the Princess Beatrice - a Langlands steamer - which looks similar to me, same white band on funnel. According to book they stopped after WW1 though.

I've enlarged the bow section, and the name isn't very clear, but I think it's the Hastings County. Thanks for all your help.

It is the Hastings County when she ran ashore she was carrying two luxury pinnaces as rear deck cargo SEE GOOGLE HASTINGS COUNTY E.S.

It says she was carrying two motor launches as part of her cargo

There is no comparison between this ship and the SS Hastings County in picture #23672.
the bows different,the wheelhouse is different, the masts are different the aft deck housing is different and if you enlarge the name it is only one word. Definately not the SS Hastings County.

I think this is definately the " Hastings County" taken from a slightly different angle and after the deck cargo had been discharged.

Surely it's a wee bit over the top, Price, to say 'there is no comparison' between the ships in these two photos. There are numerous similarities. Allowing for derricks being raised, deck cargo discharged, engine-room ventilators (if that's what they are - I'm a landlubber) turned round and foreshortening of the bow region, my money would be on them being the same ship, ie Hastings County. A safe bet I think.

Fair comment Ian, but as a Stronsay man is reputed to have said, "You may be right but I'm dammned sure I'm no wrong.

I agree with Ian, I have other pictures taken from the other side of the ship and bearing in mind that these two pictures are taken from different angles, plus the fact that she was invaded by salvors and olso broke her back in bad weather plus the fact we dont know how long apart these two pics were taken. I think its fair comment to assume that they are all the same ship

Having scoured the two pictures again, I will concede defeat. Nothing to do with the ships but, on picture #23672 there is broken water between the shore and the aft mast, accepting the different angle of the photo, that broken water coinsides with the rocks shown on the above picture. Humblest apologies to all concerned,am no spikin tae anybody ever again boo hoo.