Based on sketch by Mrs. A.O. Aleksandrova. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com
Reval (nowadays Tallinn, Estonia) towards Helsinki, Finland. Without success was searched for the wreck. In 1894 was decided to a new search using balloons. For this purpose was the non-propelled transport Samoyed used. She was launched as a screw steam sailing schooner at Åbo/Turku, Finlandon 2 (14) April 1870 and served in the White Sea fleet returning to the Baltic in 1894. Next were masts, rigging, funnel and superstructure moved or cut down to the upper deck converting her into a balloon transport.The balloon had a diameter of 12 meteres more as her maximum beam and to tighting the balloon were on both hull sides sponsons with eye bolts made. On the fore ship was a steam winch mounted to lower or hoist the balloon. In the former engine room were pipes filled with hydrogen available for filling the balloon. Early July was she ready to be fitted out with the balloon and was she towed to Helsinki from where the expedition was to begin. The steamship Rabotnik towed her to the search location. Daily was she during 1.5 month daily 10-12 hours at sea busy with lowering and hoisting the balloon with mand 7-8 times a day. Original tonnage 606 tons and as dimensions 51.5 (between perpendiculars) x 7.9 3.3 metres. Steam engine with 35 hp horsepower. Armament 4-4pd type 1867 guns.
Note
1. Part of Charodeika-class monitors preceded by Smerch succeeded by Admiral Lazarev-class, built betweeen 1866-1869 and reclassified as coastal defence ironclad on 13 February 1892. Her wreck was rediscovered in 2002.
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