A NARROW ESCAPE FROM COLLISION IN THE FRENCH PASS.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 101, 9 March 1880, Page 3

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 shut 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 “narrow’s ,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 cha? ce of escape for both vessels was to gettheCnarles Edward out of the direct course. Captain \\ hit well who never lost his presence of mind instantly stopped the engines and then put them full speed astern. For a few moments the vessel hung motionless, and then began to move backwards, just in time, for the approaching steamer, which proved to be the Waitaki, to slip by, almost touching her as she passed. The escape was about as close as well could be, and had the threatened collision occurred, it is hardly likely that a soul would have escaped to tell the tale. —Post 6th inst.