SCHOONER IN DANGER.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 262, 14 November 1901, Page 3

SCHOONER IN DANGER.

SUCCESSION OF HURRICANES. THE SUPERCARGO WASHED OVERBOARD. Melbourne, Oct. 31. The experiences of the schooner Lamael, which put into Hobson’s Bay late last night on route from Duck River, Tasmania, to Adelaide, provide ample evidence of the severity of the gales which have lately prevailed in Bass Straits, and around the Tasmanian coast.

Captain Barron reports that after passing through a succession of hurricanes, the little vessel ran into Fisherman Cove tho next day. However, the wind shifted to tho south-west, bringing up a furious sea. Both anchors were slipped, but the chains parted, and left the schooner to the mercy of the elements. Double-reefed topsails were, however, got on to her, but not before an immense sea thundered aboard, washing the crow in ail directions, capsizing the galley, bursting the staysail, and creating general confusion. Mr C. Johnson, supercargo, was missing. He had been at the helm, and a smart search discovered him floating astern, clinging to a cask. Lifebuoys wore thrown, but though every effort was made to pick him up, the avalanche of water had made tho schooner practically unmanageable, and a rescue bocarne a matter of impossibility. Captain Barron did all that skill could accomplish in the circumstances, and he clings to the hope that the man may have reached the beach, which was only a short distance off. When last seen he was making bravely for the shore.

Meantime the Lamael had beaten out of immediate danger of destruction, and made Cape Nelson in safety, but the gales returned with such strength and signs of continuance that Captain Barron decided to run for Melbourno and refit generally. The missing supercargo, Joimsou, was about 45 years of age, and was known on the coast, having been master of tho ketch Esther, of Tasmania. Several houses face the beach where he was last seen swimming. One of tho seamen of the Lamaei, named McCabe, became so exhilarated upon landing last night that he spent the early hours of this morning roaring in the streets of the city. He was arrested and charged with riotous behaviour at the Police Court to-day, but upon the magistrate learning that McCabe actually saved the vessel from destruction in standing by the wheel when the hurricane was full upon them, he discharged the prisoner.