Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1930, Page 4

The fuller particulars published of the loss of the ketch Elsie a week ago, indicate how the craft and the crew were dogged by the peril of the sea for three difficult days and nights. During that time no doubt everything was done to restart 9 the engines, which of course would have been the salvation of the situation. It WAS not possible to do so, though every effort which could he suggested was attempted, In the circumstances, the little craft was at the mercy of the wind and sea. Fortunately the Elsie has the reputation of being a good sea boat, and she rode out the difficult weather well, In the very trying circumstances the master and the crew stuck to their duty with considerable fortitude, Drifting as they were almost ’ helplessly in that they were unable to .shape a definite course, the experience was not an enviable one. The master stuck gallanttv''to his post throughout a very Unequal tussle w*tfi the angry sen, Finally, wll e ll t'fifi inevitable was forced upon him with the boat drifting sideways on to a lee shore, he took the decision to beach the ship as quickly and as safely as possible in the interests of the lives in his charge, A submerged rock was grazed in making the difficult shore in the black darkness, and it was fortunate that there was no serious penetration of the hull, For the rest, safety first Ifor the crew was decided upon, and donning lifebelts, the litle party took to the rigging to miss the raging welter of water as the vessel passed through the booming breakers. Only then did the wind

favour them, for it helped the little craft the quicker through the danger zone, with sails set. Once the beajcli was touched the gale helped to keep the ship inshore and practically beat her up shore. The plight of tile men when they reached dry land in the dark may he imagined. Their exact whereabouts was .still unknown till daybreak revealed the headland of Bruce Bay. Meanwhile help sent for, was long in arriving for the messenger in the circuitous route he took delayed the assistance the settlers gave so readily, once the, plight of the shipwrecked crew was known. It was indeed a happy outcome for all lives to be saved, and. all concerned have much to he thankful •for. The ship may he last, and the Shipping Company will be a heavy loser, hut the experience is one of hazards of the game, which while regrettable, is after all not beyond repair. Every praise is due to the master for Ills handling of the ship in extreme difficulty, and all deserve credit for the manner in which they faced and came through the ordeal. ' ’