ANGLO-NORMAN WRECKED

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 2 October 1914, Page 4

ANGLO-NORMAN WRECKED

AT KAIPARA HEADS

CREW REACH AUCKLAND

THE members of the crew of the ill-fated barque Anglo-Norman, which was wrecked on the North Spit at Kaipara on Saturday, went on to Auckland on Monday. They gave an interesting account of the. voyage when ended so disastrously.

Chartered to take a load of timber from Kaipara to Sydney, the barque sailed from Dunedin for Kaipara on September 12. She made a fair trip until nearing Kaipara Heads, when contrary winds sprang up, and kept her away from the passage. These winds continued unceasingly for eight days, but on Saturday morning last Captain Carlsen took advantage of what he considered to be a favourable opportunity, and made for the passage. All went well for a time, but, with surprising suddenness, a squall broke over the ship and enveloped her in mist and rain. The locality was strange to the captain, and his first thotfght was to put about. The heavy sea which was running, together with the strength of the wind then blowing, made this practically an impossibility. There was nothing for it but to continue on. However, the Anglo-Norman had not proceeded far before she struck the bar on the northern side and heeled over. Great seas now pounded her, broadside on, and broke all over her. Each breaker drove her further and further inshore, until at last she grounded hard and fast about 100 yds from land. Flag signals of distress were hoisted and were seen at the Kaipara lighthouse, though the people on shore found themselves powerless to lender any assistance. With great difficulty a boat was launched from the wrecked vessel, and at much risk three sailors endeavoured to row ashore, taking a light line with them.- The current was running out very strongly, and, though they rowed desperately, on three occasions they were almost sucked under the ill-fated ship they had just left. At length they got clear, and, thoroughly exhausted, reached the shore. Soon the light line they had brought with them was attached to a heavy rope, which, in turn, was made fast to the shore. By means of this rope, for several hours, the little boat went backwards and forwards to the AngloNorman, bringing all hands ashore, their baggage, and other articles which the captain deemed important. Captain Carlsen was the last man to leave the ship at 5 p.m.

The twelve men from the wrecked barque were taken to the lighthouse and accommodated until, with the exception of the captain and the mate, they were able to catch a boat to Helensville. At Helensville, also, they were treated with every kindness and catching the early train went on to Aucklaad the following morning.

At present the Anglo-Norman is embedded in the sand at the North Spit, and is full of sand and water.