The Ellen Lines was en route to London when her cargo of logwood became waterlogged. She was found abandoned on the east coast of England and towed into Sheerness as a derelict. She was owned by Lines Brothers. In December 1893 she was sold to Clarke of Southend who had her towed to Stangate Creek for breaking up. However, 'little over 1/4 mile up the creek' she struck a bank and could not be got off. The Harbour Masters records contain a variety of references to her location and the degree of hazard which she presents to navigation. It also mentions her sale to Robert Palmer in October 1894 and to further work dismantling the vessel. A sketch shows how much of the vessel is visible above the water. (1) The minutes of the Conservancy Committee note on 29 May 1895 that the Admiralty have taken responsibility for the wreck. They also note contracting Arthur Gann for 400 to disperse the vessel, and on 14 April 1896 that the bed is clear. This last date has been taken for the date of loss.(2)

Historic England archive material: 970515 Port of Medway Harbour Master Records, Rochester Upon Medway Studies Centre 970519 Medway Port Authority Conservancy Committee Minutes

<1> Port of Medway Harbour Master Records, Rochester Upon Medway Studies Centre, MPA/H2/5, Page Nos. N/a (Bibliographic reference). SKE6425.

<2> Medway Port Authority Conservancy Committee Minutes, MPA/A3/3 pp 178, 253, 260., Page Nos. N/a (Bibliographic reference). SKE6426.