A Sudden Swell (1882)

Weather conditions have always been unpredictable around our coast and in the early hours of 25th October there was no indication of stormy weather with calm seas and fair conditions. The local fishing boats had shot their lines around 6am but shortly after the lines were shot there were indications that a severe storm was raging further out to sea. Initially there was no wind but large waves began to appear from the east and soon a heavy swell accompanied by some large breakers forced the boats to haul their lines and run for shore.

By the time the boats were reaching the shores and harbours the tide was approaching the high water mark and those boats heading for Stonehaven had to make a choice of attempting to enter the harbour or running their boats onto the beach and risking some damage. In the smaller villages the boats had no choice but to make an attempt to reach the nearest sanctuary. Most boats managed to reach safe havens and avoided major damage however one Newtonhill boat, skippered by Alexander Christie, was unable to navigate the entrance to Portlethen shore and the vessel became a total wreck. Fortunately the crew escaped with their lives.

Ironically, the storm abated almost as quickly as it had arisen and by mid-afternoon the sea conditions had became as calm as they were early the same morning. This particular storm probably lasted less than four hours but had continued long enough for one small boat to have been crushed against the rocks near Portlethen shore.