on the rocks

on this day 15th July 1977 the paddle steamer Waverley only two years into preservation grounded on the Gantock rocks seen here just off Dunoon
The ferry Sound of Shuna safely evacuated all the hundreds of passengers
Dragged off eventually by tugs to the coal jetty at Dunoon the leaking buckled hull gashed in four places was examined as she sat on the bottom. On the 20th after much pumping and temporary repairs she was able to steam across to drydock in Greenock but very low in the water. No one knew if she would sail again. The papers pronounced doom!
Happily the £40000 + needed was found to ensure her future and she never looked back ....at the Gantocks!