THE LOSS OF THE SCHOONER CLAN ALPINE.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1044, 30 October 1877, Page 3

THE LOSS OF THE SCHOONER CLAN ALPINE.

The names of the three men who, with Capt. Smart, formed the crew of the schooner Clan Alpine, were A. Upwood, H. Eichardson, and A. Peacock. The following are the fuller particulars of the accident, as furnished to the Wellington Customs' authorities by Captain McKay, of the schooner Herald, and by them to the local newspapers : _, The schooner Herald and the ketch Clan Alpine, sailed from Lyttelton together on Tuesday last, the :23rd instant. The Clan Alpine was bound for Hokitika with a cargo of potaloes, the Herald ior Wellington. The two vessels kept pretty well together during the night, the Herald, however, drawing steadily ahead. The wind was fresh from S.S.W., or nearly dead aft for the run up the coast. About 4 o'clock on the following morning (Wednesday last) both vessels were oft Stoneyhurst, the Herald was leading, and was about twelve miles to leeward. She was then tinder single.reefed, canvas. Tne Clan Alpine

' was plainly visible; she was carrying a heavy press of sail, considering the strong breeze which was blowing, having both her gaff topsails set. Suddenly both vessels were struck by a terrific squall from S.S.W. The crew of the Herald had all they could do for a time to take care of their own vessel, but on the squall passing over, at once looked out for the Clan Alpine. Not a sign of her, however, was to be seen. The Herald then beat up as near as possible to the spot where the ketch had disappeared and stood off and on about an hour, but being so far to leeward and the wind so strong she could not get far to windward, and nothing was seen of the missing vessel. The unavoidable conclusion was arrived at, that the unfortunate ketch must have capsized through excessive press of sail on being caught in the sudden and violent squall. The squall was followed by a continuous heavy gale and high sea, and the Herald at length was obliged to give up the search and proceed on her course, arriving as above after a very rough passage. Captain McKay at once made a declaration embodying the above facts before the Collector of Customs, Mr H. S. M'Kellar, who courteously ordered that it should be placed at the disposal of the Press.