Pacific Glory

Tragedy struck in 1970 when a supertanker carrying crude oil, the Pacific Glory, collided with another, the Allegro, and blew up in the Solent killing thirteen of its crew and injuring many more. The tanker went aground near Sandown on the Isle of Wight. The Portsmouth City Fire Brigade responded with exceptional efficiency in an operation that involved approximately 200 firemen and that took over 40 hours. Due to the promptness of the response pollution from the spill was limited and the resulting slicks dispersed before reaching the local tourist beaches. Three local firemen were awarded the British Empire Medal as a result of their work in this operation.

A Fire on the Boyne

On 1 May 1795, HMS Boyne, a fine 98 gun ship was destroyed by fire in Portsmouth Harbour. Moody gives the following startling description: ‘Most of the crew were saved by boats, but the heat at length became so excessive that no further assistance could be given, and on the return of the tide she drifted out of the harbour, the fires issuing through every porthole. Her lower guns were shotted, and as these went off much damage was done, and some lives lost. After burning about seven hours, her powder magazine blew up, with an explosion which was sensibly felt over all Portsmouth. Shot, and pieces of timber, were thrown to a great distance; several boats were blown to atoms and twenty of their hands perished.’ Taken from Black’s Guide to Hampshire 1885