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Auction: 399 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 165

Great Britain. Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society's Marine Medal, 3rd type. Silver (CAPT. ALFRED H. HIGHTON S.S. "YUCATAN" FOR RESCUING 15 OF THE CREW OF "PETIT BOURGEOIS" IN A GALE, DEC. 24. 1892).

Alfred Halewood Highton (born Liverpool 1849, died Maghull 1927) commanded the West India and Pacific steamship Yucatan which rescued the crew of "15 hands of the French barque Le Petit Bourgeois of Nantes, in the North Atlantic on the 24th of December" 1892. The French vessel left Pensacola, Florida on the 23rd of November with a cargo of wood. When nearing "the Bermudas," the barque encountered gales and took on water. "The barque was beyond control, on her beam ends" and "roiled fearfully". The ship began to sink and a wave carried away the rudder. The French captain Dolo reported that "The whole of the 23rd [December] was passed on the wreck, which was rapidly breaking up, and we knew we only had a few hours to live." The Yucatan appeared in the distance, but the barque was only able to burn torches, not show any proper distress signals. Fortunately, a flash of lightning revealed the wrecked ship, and after trying all night, the Yucatan was able to launch a lifeboat at three in the morning, and the barque's crew was rescued.

On original ribbon. Lightly toned. Extremely Fine. With extensive documentation of Highton's certificates and maritime career.

Sold for
$270

Starting price
$120