The PS Lelia was a paddle steamship constructed in 1864 by William C Miller & Company of Toxteth, designed primarily as a blockade runner for the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. She measured approximately 252 feet (77 meters) in length and had a gross registered tonnage of 640 BRT. Notably, her hull was built from steel—a material that was both costly and uncommon at the time—highlighting her purpose as a fast, durable vessel for clandestine operations. Her propulsion system comprised engines and machinery manufactured by Fawcett Preston & Company, rated at 300 nominal horsepower, which would have contributed to her speed and maneuverability necessary for running blockades. Lelia was part of a trio of sister ships ordered by the Anglo-Confederate concern William G. Crenshaw & Company. She embarked on her maiden voyage on January 14, 1865, departing the River Mersey with a largely Liverpool-based crew, including prominent Confederate naval officers. Her destination was Wilmington, North Carolina, via Bermuda, with the mission of evading Union naval blockades and supplying the Confederacy with essential goods. However, her voyage was cut short when she encountered severe weather off the coast of North Wales. Large waves dislodged her anchors, causing them to pierce the deck and flood the vessel. She sank near the lightship Prince off the Great Orme, resulting in a tragic loss of life—46 fatalities out of 51 on board. Only twelve survivors managed to escape in two lifeboats, one of which capsized, and the Liverpool No 1 Lifeboat, which was attempting rescue, was swamped with seven crew members lost. The wreck of PS Lelia was discovered in the early 1990s, lying approximately 10 miles northwest of Hilbre Point, Wirral. The site includes remnants of her paddle wheel, engine, boiler rooms, and cargo areas, and was designated as a protected site by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in 2019. The discovery of her bell inscribed with 'Lelia 1864' marked a significant archaeological find, offering insights into her construction and history. The PS Lelia remains a notable relic of Civil War maritime history and the clandestine efforts of Confederate blockade runners.

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