Builders: Samuda Bros., Poplar 1891
Propulsion type: Paddle oscillating
Owners: Victoria Steamboat Association, Thames Steamboat Company, Rosherville Pier and Steam Packet Co, Goole and Hull Steam Packet Co. Albert Calvert Shipping Co, Mr Elton, Mr McMurray.
Service dates: 1891 - 1927
Tonnage: Gross 194
Comments:
This picture comes from the WE Groom collection and is displayed here by kind permission of Victoria Groom.
The Mermaid was a much travelled little steamer, although on her construction she was one of the largest sheltered water steamers sailing on the Thames. Originally sailing between London and Gravesend, she later sailed as far as Southend. She remained on the Thames, where she is shown above, until she was sold for use on the Humber in 1916, including use as the Humber Ferry on charter. She saw war service and then returned to the Humber until 1922 when she went to Ireland. Here she sailed from Limerick to Kilrush on the River Shannon but was "requisitioned" by the Irish Free State Army after only three pleasure trips. She was then laid up until the summer of 1924 when she was returned to her owner, Mr Elton. She then sailed from Belfast to Bangor, but this was not a success and she was finally sold for scrap to Messrs Ward at Preston in November 1927.