The ship, a paddle steamer called SS Forfarshire, had broken on Big Harcar Rock. In the early 19th century most ships were powered by sail. They were harder to control in storms and high winds.

The Comet was a wooden paddle steamer built in Port Glasgow by John Wood & Sons in 1811-12 and owned by 19th-century entrepreneur Henry Bell. It was launched in 1812 and operated for eight years ...