The wreck of the East Indiaman Dutton at Plymouth Sound, 26 January 1796.

The wreck of the East Indiaman 'Dutton' at Plymouth Sound, 26 January 1796.

Repro ID: BHC3298

Description: The East Indiaman 'Dutton', 755 tons, was built at Blackwall on the Thames in 1781. The vessel immediately entered service with the East India Company and undertook four voyages to India and China before being wrecked in 1796. The 'Dutton' was owned by Henry Rice and departed on its first journey to the east in February 1782. On 25 January 1796, the vessel arrived back in the Channel at the conclusion of its final voyage, which had taken it to the Bay of Bengal. The following day, the 'Dutton' was driven onto the shore at Plymouth Sound. It is that event that this important painting by Thomas Luny depicts. Many passengers and crew were still aboard the ship at the time of the disaster, yet all, except four, were safely brought ashore from the striken vessel. Sir Edward Pellew, later Lord Exmouth, is credited with directing the rescue effort.

Creator: Thomas Luny

Date: 1796

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London