WRECK OF THE BRIG OUR HOPE.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1246, 27 July 1872, Page 2

WRECK OF THE BRIG OUR HOPE.

The following particulars; of the wreck of thebrig Ojur Hope are given by the Oamaru Times:— : • .„■..; \W ■■■■/■ - Early in the morning, being exposed to a strong north-east wind, and having parted her chain at 9 a.m. she let go her second anchor with ninety fathoms of chain, She still kept dragging until half«past three, when 'she struck neayily twice, and nearly unshipped the rudder*. .The captain concluded to set the foretopsail and to go on shore. At ten o'clock the Harbormaster, Capt. Sewell, signalled for her to proceed to sea, but this she was unable to do. At the same time there was a schooner— the Janet Ramsay, laden with timber— lying in a critical position shonld the Our Hope continue to drift. She observed the signal and put to sea. A large number of the citizens were gathered together at the signal staff in momentary expectation of seeing her drift helplessly on shore. iThe danger seemed so imminent that the signal for the Rocket Brigade was hoisted at one o'clock. Our Hope continued to hold on, however, till nearly three o'clock, making no attempt to go Beawards— the swell being too great, and tho wind contrary. After the signals were hung out for her to run on Bhore ; but these also Bhe disregarded, or the captain of the brig deemed it more prudent to continue by his anchor. Towards four o'clock the brig hoisted colors signifying her intention of coming on shore. The Rocket Brigade, having everything in readiness, proceeded to the spot at which she was likely to come. Having made everything in working order, the brigade, Captain Sewell commanding, arranged for the tiring of a rocket with a fine attached. This was effected with precision and success at half-past four— when, after the usual process of fixing the rope, &c, those on board were safely landed on the rocks near to the tramway leading to the breakwater noir in course of construction. The first who was conveyed along the line was a boy, and hi* transit was effected comfortably and quickly. The next was a female, and her passage was not so cleverly done ; but why it was so did not clearly appear. By this time it was getting dark, but one by one of the crew were safely got ashore, and the brig was left to her fate till morning— a fate all too certain of becoming a total wreck. The brig is 'insured in the South Australian Insurance Company for LI2OO. The cargo is insured for L4OOO in the New Zealand Insurance Company.