I am in the process of writing a song about a shipwreck during a bad storm off of the coast of Balbriggan in 1875 (Belle Hill). According to local history, as the ship sank, the coast guard could not launch the local rescue boat so some local guys (James and John Carton) launched their own fishing boat to attempt a rescue. The rescue was only moderately successful, but they still received a medal for it. What I am trying to do is figure out what KIND of boat would have been typical for coastal fishermen in 1875 Ireland. The Bell (Belle) Hill was a merchant ironclad from what I gather which also seems strange, but I could be wrong about that too. I am finding a lot about river boats and some mention of schooners, but I am getting some conflicting information since some places say schooners were not typical until after the 1880s in this area.

So, what do you folks think? What would be the most LIKELY type of fishing boat used in coastal Ireland in 1875 by normal, everyday fishermen of modest means? Also, does it seem reasonable that a merchant ship would be an ironclad? Lastly, any discussions about typical fishing and fishing villages in Ireland would be appreciated.