A NARROW ESCAPE FROM COLLISION IN THE FRENCH PASS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1886, 10 March 1880, Page 2

A NARROW ESCAPE FROM COLLISION IN THE FRENCH PASS.

The steamers Waitaki and Charles Edward narrowly escaped a disastrous collision in the French Pass on Thursday night. The Charles Edward left Nelson at 7 o’clock on Wednesday evening, and reaching the French Pass at 11, steamed slowly through against the tide, which was adverse. The night was dark and rather thick, while the precipitous spur which projects into the passage on the south side effectually shnt out any long view ahead. Suddenly, to the horror of those on board, the lights of another steamer were seen coming round that corner, and bearing down on the Charles Edward with the full force of the strong tide which runs through the “narrows” at the rate of 10 or 12 knots. All her lights were visible, thus showing that she was heading straight for the Charles Edward. It was perfectly well known on board the latter that the other could not possibly stop or even check her way without instant destruction, and the only chance of escape for both vessels was to get the Charles Edward out of the direct course. Captain Whitwell, who never lost his presence of mind, imtantly stopped the engines, and then put them full speed astern. For a few moments to vessel hung motionless, and then began to move backward just in time for the approaching steamer, which proved to bo the Waitaki, to slip by, almost touching her as she passed. The escape was about as close as well could be, and bad the threatened collision occurred it is hardly likely that a soul would have escaped to tell the tale.—“ Evening Post,” Marok Bth.