The Loss of the Cutter Hero.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1697, 27 July 1875, Page 2

The Loss of the Cutter Hero.

Intelligence has now been received in town which places it beyond doubt that Captain. Doble and the crew of this ill-fated vessel, with the exception of a lad named Hunt, have met with a watery grave. It appears that after the loss of the mast the captain and crew determined to leave the cutter and try and make for the Mokau river. They launched the boat and the whole party, consisting of Captain Doble, George Gordon (steward), Edward Terry (seaman), and Alfred Hunt, the lad above alluded to, started to cross the bar, which was breaking at the time. The boat could not live in the heavy surf and capsized, leaving the occupants struggling in the breakers. All were drowned except Hunt, who managed to scramble ashore more dead than alive. The news was received in Onehunga yesterday, and caused general grief. Captain Doble, we are sorry to say, leaves a wife and 7 children totally unprovided for. He was well-known as a persevering, brave and industrious man, and had only lately faxed his residence in Onehunga. He was for some years chief hand in the pilot cutter. He was also in the employ of Messrs Combes and Daldy aa master at different times of the ketch Forest Queen and the cutter Nancy. The cutter Hero was owned by Messrs C. Watson, J. A. Walker, and A. Barnes.