GREAT STORM AT NAPIER.—LOSS OF THE ECHUNGA.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 102, 15 February 1868, Page 8

GREAT STORM AT NAPIER.—LOSS OF THE ECHUNGA.

The Hon. J. Johnston, who arrived overland from Napier yesterday, brought with him a copy of the Hawke's Bay Times of Monday last, which contains a short account of the wreck of the Echunga on the Spit at Eapier during a violent gale. The particulars are as follows; Times Office, 7 a.m. The drought, of which we have for so long complained, gave place yesterday to rain, which increased towards evening, and was accompanied with a gale of wind from the north-east. As the night wore on the storm became very heavy, and caused much anxiety for the safety of the good ship Echunga, then lying in the roadstead, and nearly ready for her return trip with a very large cargo of wool, hides, &c., on board. At length the return of daylight \confirmed our fears by showing us that phe had actually gone on shore on the Western Spit about four miles north.west of the port, and the rollers breaking heavily over her. Several horsemen quickly left overland for the scene of the disaster; and later, four boats, well-manned, have followed, sailing up inside the harbor. As she now lies, her mizenmast has been carried away, and it is to be feared that she will prove a total wreck. 8 a.m. All hands saved. The men have just arrived on the Spit. They say the skip began to drag her anchors at 3 a.m., and that no attempt was made to put to sea. Captain Knight was not on board—having left town for the interior on Saturday. 10 a.m. The ill-fated vessel is now a total wreck. All three masts are gone, and her back is broken. The weather is still squally, and has a threatening appearance. The rain continues in intermittent showers.