Other Vessels in Missee Lee

War Junks

These share many design features with Shining Moon, but are considerably larger. They are also equipped with cannon. It isn't clear how many junks there are, although each of the Three Islands has a fleet.

In local terms, it is clear that the Three Island junks are an elite force, feared and respected by those living and trading along the coasts of China. However, in military terms the junks that Ransome describes would have been hopelessly outclassed by the gunboats or destroyers of any modern inter-war navy. So it is little surprise that Missee Lee is so alarmed when she discovers that the Swallows' father is a Captain in the Royal Navy, which at that time maintained a squadron in the China Seas.

Sampans

These are the Chinese equivalent of rowing boats, used for local transport and activities such as fishing. They have certain similarities to western punts, with relatively flat-bottomed hulls. In addition, Sampans can be poled along, although the usual propulsion is by a single oar, used with a sculling type motion at the stern of the vessel. Sampans are sometimes fitted with a rounded shelter amidships.

Ferry

The Silver River ferryboat, between Tiger and Dragon Islands, sounds like a much larger version of a sampan.

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