British Empire
Ship: 2600 tons
Captain: Thomas B Callenan
Surgeon Superintendent: Andrew Nash
Sailed London 15th May 1864 - Arrived Lyttleton 6th September 1864

At the time of her arrival in Lyttleton, British Empire was the largest ship to enter the port. On board she had 33 cabin passengers and 366 immigrants. She was a vessel dogged by bad luck. While being towed down the river from Bristol, her bow stuck on a projecting part of the bank. The river was tidal and the tide in this instance was running out very fast. It swung the stern of the ship around until it caught the opposite bank, leaving British Empire high-and-dry. In this position several lighters and small vessels were actually able to sail under her. Understandably considerable strain was placed on the ship and when she was refloated repairs were required. She was eventually wrecked along with many other vessels during a tidal wave at St Thomas in the West Indies.
White Wings - Sir Henry Brett

The voyage of the British Empire (written by the Surgeon Superintendent)

Our thanks to Peter Fussell for the Surgeon Superintendents report of the voyage.