The SS Irex was a steel-hulled, three-masted sailing vessel constructed by J. Reid & Co. of Port Glasgow and launched on 10 October 1889. It was a sizable ship, measuring approximately 302 feet 2 inches (92.10 meters) in length and having a beam of about 43 feet (13 meters). With a gross register tonnage of 2,348 GRT, the Irex was designed for significant cargo capacity, indicative of its role in long-distance maritime trade. On her maiden voyage, the Irex departed from Greenock on 24 December 1889, commanded by Captain Hutton. Her cargo consisted of 3,600 tons of iron sewerage pipes, destined for Rio de Janeiro. Her journey was marred by severe weather; storms forced her to seek shelter in Belfast Lough until 1 January 1890. After resuming her voyage, hurricane-force winds challenged her navigation. On 24 January 1890, as she approached the English Channel, the Irex attempted to find shelter in Falmouth but was unable to get a pilot boat. Consequently, she continued toward the Needles on the Isle of Wight. Misidentifying the Needles Lighthouse as a pilot boat signal, Captain Hutton steered the vessel onto the rocks at Scratchell's Bay around 10 p.m. Large waves battered the ship, leading to the loss of the captain, first mate, boatswain, and one crewman. The wreck was observed the following morning by soldiers at The Needles Batteries, prompting rescue efforts. The nearby steam collier Hampshire and the Totland lifeboat responded but struggled to approach the stranded ship amid turbulent seas. Eventually, a line was shot from the coast using a rocket, which caught in the rigging. After a perilous effort, 29 survivors were rescued by breeches buoy, with one crewman killed during the rescue. The wreck of the Irex stands as a tragic maritime event, illustrating the dangers of navigation along stormy coasts and the perilous conditions faced by ships during the late 19th century.

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