BEN AVON WRECK.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1045, 12 November 1903, Page 2

BEN AVON WRECK.

the pilot drowned*

.(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, last night. Later.—Word has been received by Hie Inspector of Police from the constable 'at Martiuborough that the latter had received a letter from Whatarangi station, Cape Palliser, announcing that a vessel called Ben lOrraond was ashore, and assistance yvas wanted* .Tlie, letter added that the pilot was dead. It is supposed that “Ben Ormond”, is a mistake for “ Ben Avon,” The reference to the pilot is thought to concern Caplain McKinnon, of Dunedin, who, it is understood, was piloting the Ben Avon up the coast., Nothing more is known here yet (10.30) about tlie .wreck* An incoming steamer is reported off Pencarrow 1-lcad. This may, be the Hincmoa returning from the scene of disaster,, WELLINGTON, last night* Midnight,—Tho ITinemoa returned to port shortly after 11 o’clock tonight from Cape Palliser. The party who went down to the scene of the wreck found that the vessel ashore Was the barque Ben Avon, from Port Chalmers to Wellington. Tlie crew are safe at Whatarangi station, but .Captain McKinnon, the pilot, is dead Tlie vessel is right on the rocks, and will be a total wreck. Captain Dixon (master of the vessel), on being interviewed, at Cape Palliser, said he left Dunedin on Thursday. On Tuesday the vessel ran into a thick log and heavy rain squalls. Sail was shortened by, the pilot, and, everything seeming sale, he (Captain Dixon) turned in at midnight, fully clad and with sca-boots on. The pilot remained on deck, and kept on the starboard tack in an east nor’-east wind. At lour o’clock this morning the pilot, who had momentarily gone below, was hurriedly called on deck by the second mate,- who called out that he could hear the roar of breakers. Captain Dixon heard this call ■to the pilot,- and, springing out c.f his berth, rushed up on deck. Just at that moment, the vessel struck. As soon as tlie imp(act was felt, Captain McKinnon fell down on the poop ■as if dead. An attempt was made to wear ship, but it proved ineffective. The crew then took to the boat,, and the piloe’s body being lowered"into it, all left the ship. There was a heavy sea running, but a landing was made seven miles away from the scene. A fire was lighted on the ’beach, and efforts made to resuscitate McKinnon, whose heart gave a slight pulsation, but without avail, and he died soon afterwards. He

'never spoke from the time the vessel struck. His body is now at Whatarangi. Nothing whatever was .saved from the ship, the officers and crew having only, wliafc they; stood up in.