MISHAP TO THE YACHT SHAMROCK.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 25 May 1901, Page 2

MISHAP TO THE YACHT SHAMROCK.

Narrow Escape of the King. Lipton asked for Delay In Race. [by ELBCTEIO TELHGBAPH—COPTEIGHT.] (PHE PEESS ASSOCIATION.) London, May 22. During the Shamrock’s trials on the Solent a squall carried away Shamrock ll’s sails. The spare and mastfell away.* The King who was on board, was unhurt. The details show that the King and Sir T. Lipton were seated on the deck close to the companion way. The heavy mast fell into the sea. ' The King was taken aboard the Erin to Southampton,

Tfao two Shamrocks were e cat m start for a trial on the Solent w l ' -v I den heavy squall struck the v -n- the topmast of Shamrock II . idad, the bowsprit snapped and the two ton mast fell overboard.

The vessel is a total wreck. Two destroyers and the Erin rushed to the rescue, but the Captain shouted that no one was hurt. There was tremendous excitement at Southampton and London when the news became known that the King, who.was aboard the Shamrock 11, was unhurt. - The canvas on 'Shamrock IPs mast was 150 feet* high. Just before rounding the Captain proposed to shorten sail, but was overruled. The weakness of the bowsprit rigging caused the collapse. «. Surprise is expressed that the fragile hull was able to resist the pressure and Several of the crew were carried overboard amid a cloud of canvas. Three men aloft shinned down at the moment of the accident. The damage is £4OOO.

Lipton has asked for some week; postponement of the race. There is much sympathy for him ir America. London, May 23. Both Shramrooks I and II and the Sybarita were manoeuvring for a start. A 12-knot breeze was blowing. Shamrock II was close hauled; and coming round on the starboard tack a heavy easterly squall caught her abeam, heeling her over. The bobatay, plate, shroud, and fastening gave way, then the bowsprit, next the topmast collapsed; then the mast broke—first at the heel of the topmast and afterwards three feet 'above the deck. The wreckage fell to leeward. The broken mast doubled under the ship, touching bottom and held her fast until a rivetter was fetched from Cowes to cut AWay the broken mast, and allowing it and the gear and sails to sink. The mainboom stay sail alone was ftTed. London, May 23. Shamrock the First risked everything to get alongside her consort, but the topsail blew away, and she was unable to assist, The Sydaritas dinghy was first alongside the Erin and destroyers racing up quickly. The King, Lipton, Watson, the designer of the yacht, the Marchioness of Londonderry, Mrs Dered Keppell and Mrs Jamieson were seated on the weather side and had a narrow escape. A heavy block fell between the Marchioness and Mrs Jamieson. • The King displayed great nerve. After a reassurance that the ladies were safe, he lighted a cigar, entered a launch, and examined the wreckage. A bursting bobstay gave warning of the danger. Had the accident occurred ten seconds later, the boom would have been right overhead and fallen on the deck instead of clear of the ship. The King landed at Cowes and telegraphed to the Queen. He afterwards dined aboard the Erin and returned to London in the evening. Received this day at 8 56 a. m. London, May 24. Interviewed by a representative of the Daily Mail, Lipton stated that when the accident occured the boom coming inward fell within a few feet of the King, had the accident occurred a moment later His Majesty would have been directly underneath the boom. Captain Sycamore lying on the side of _|he deck was only just in time to jump clear. The King’s only remark alter the accident was “what a pity’’. A piece of iron struck Lipton stunning him tor half-o-minute. The bravery of »of the ladies, Lipton states was conspicuous. The hull was not hurt and within an hour repairs to the vessel were ordered, The yacht will not be ready to race before the first week in October, though Lipton is prepared to take over Shamrock the first it a postponement is impossible.

He gratefully declined the offer of Lawson to race the yacht Independence against the two Shamrocks in England. Every head of the State congratulated Edward on his escape, and much sympaty is expressed in Prance.