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Etna (1817)

Etna was the first steam Mersey Ferry, being constructed by Dawson and Pearson of Liverpool. Operated by the La French company of Liverpool, Etna (sometimes also known as Ætna) served between Liverpool and Tranmere. Her two small boilers powered a 22 horsepower engine, which spun a paddle wheel in her midships. Etna had a single wheel, and had two small hulls side by side connected with a deck. Etna was joined with another steamer (possibly a sister ship) named Mersey, although the Mersey was 5 tons larger and was rated with 2 more horsepower.
In the spring of 1821, Etna received general minor repairs, and had new boilers fitted. Unfortunately, she also caught fire on September 25th 1823 and 'considerable damage had been done in the vessel'.
She was put up for sale in May 1828, and was 'disposed' of in 1832.

Mersey entered service towards the end of 1819, and ran alongside Etna, although her career is even more mysterious. It was misreported in August 1821 that the Mersey had been laid up for being defective, although this was corrected a week later and confirmed she was still in service, and was described as 'efficient and swift'. In may of 1822, it was confirmed that Etna and Mersey were noted for providing service with carriages, horses and passengers during a local race. She had a thorough repair in March 1823, and was sold under the claim of her being in 'excellent condition'. She was possibly sold to a breaker's, who scrapped her for her metal, as I an unable to find any further mentions of her. She may have been sold foreign too, or even sunk.


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