Kaisow was a composite clipper built by Robert Steele & Company at Greenock, launched on 19 November 1868. As the 173rd vessel constructed by the yard, she measured approximately 193.2 feet (58.9 meters) in length, with a beam of 32 feet (9.8 meters) and a depth of 20.3 feet (6.2 meters). Her gross register tonnage was 820 GRT, and she featured a distinctive Mandarin figurehead, reflecting her oriental connections. Initially owned by Alexander Rodger of Glasgow and commanded by Captain Anderson, Kaisow demonstrated notable voyage performance early in her career. She completed a London to Shanghai voyage in 99 days in December 1869 and subsequently returned from Foochow with tea to Deal in the same duration in 1870. Her design and rigging evolved over time, including a conversion to barque rigging in 1878 to reduce crew requirements. In 1875, Kaisow was acquired by Killick Martin & Company, under Captain James Killick’s leadership, with John Gadd as her captain from 1876 to 1885. Although she did not engage in the famous tea races, she made significant trans-Pacific passages between Shanghai and Victoria in the late 1870s, with her transit times matching or surpassing previous records. During her service with Killick Martin, Kaisow transported tea to ports such as Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and was notable for her efficiency and speed. A significant maritime event occurred in 1883 when Kaisow survived the eruption of Krakatoa. Her second mate, Harry Davis, recorded the ship’s navigation through the erupting Straits of Sunda, describing how Captain Gadd skillfully handled the vessel, weathering a tidal wave that caused widespread destruction and loss of life. In her later years, Kaisow was sold in 1885 to William Bowden Jr. of Llanelly, and between 1885 and 1891, she undertook voyages carrying manganese ore from Coquimbo to ports such as Liverpool and Valparaiso. Her service ended tragically in November 1891 when she foundered approximately 60 miles west-southwest of Valparaiso during a voyage from Coquimbo, following cargo shift and flooding. The sinking was thoroughly investigated, and it was concluded that the vessel was in seaworthy condition at departure but was struck by a heavy sea that caused her cargo to shift, leading to her sinking. All crew members were rescued, and there were no fatalities. Kaisow remains a vessel of maritime historical interest, with her image captured by notable artists like Montague Dawson and Barry Mason, symbolizing the endurance and craftsmanship of the clipper era.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.