Staerkodder (Strong Otter)
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:12 pm
At the beginning of the year 1800 several fairly large transport vessels were stationed round about in Greenland.
We know that the sloop STRONG OTTER was situated at Qaqortoq (fulianeháb) around the year 1800. When it got there and how big it was can only be surmised.
Presumably it was 15 - 18 metres long equivalent to approx. 48 - 58 feet and had a tonnage of approx. 20 lasts or 150 barrels of lard.
We know that in October 1805 the sloop was on its way from Qaqortoq to Paamiut (Frederiksh.a.b) with cargo and that it ran ashore 3 miles south of its destination.
The crew managed to reach the shore and after great efforts also managed to get the vessel with most of its cargo to Paamiut, where it was repaired.
In 1832 STRONG OTTER is at Qeqertarsuaq (Godhavn) on the Disco Island.
The last we hear of the sloop is that it is lost during the night between 29th and 30th October 1846 returning from Ritenbenk to Nugssuaq.
The whole crew managed to reach the shore safely.
Stamp issued 24.6.2002. Greenland Philatelic.