A view of a small rowing boat close inshore with a cow, saved from the passenger/cargo liner Minnehaha (1900), whoich had grounded on Scilly Rock. The steer has been towed to Samson Island by a rope tied to its horns, which is still being held by one of the crew. The middle crewman is standing looking at the camera with his left hand on the oar and the rightt on his hip. The photographer was standing on the beach. In the background the Penzance-registered fishing lugger PZ 731 is anchored with at least one steer alongside being attended to by the crew. The mizzen lug sail is set, used to keep the boat head to wind when at anchor.

The Minnehaha ran aground on 18 April 1910 in fog on passage from New York to Tilbury. The 66 passengers, all First Class, and 171 crew were rescued and landed on Byrher, and about 200 of the 243 steers (castrated young bulls) were landed on Samson Island. The mixed cargo from Holds 2 and 3 were jettisoned, including crated new motor cars, grand pianos, machinery, sewing machines, carpets and other cargo going over the side to lighten the ship. Between 20 April and 11 May the ship was prepared for refloating (using compressed air to float it), and eventually came off the ledge. Minnehaha then proceeded under its own power to Crow Sound before continuing under escort to Falmouth.