LOSS OF THE "ORWELL."

New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 176, 5 February 1848, Page 2

LOSS OF THE " ORWELL."

We regret to have to record the loss of the barque Onoell, 305 tons, Captaiu Shaw, at the entrance of Manukau harbour, on the evening of Wedneiday latt. The lives of all on board were providentially saved, but up to the latest accounts no portion had been reicued of the cargo, which consisted principally of sheep and horned cattle. The Orwell left Twofold Bay on the 16th ultimo, hound for this port with 164 head of cattle and 200 sheep, Messrs. Lewis and Carle ton, as passengers, Mr. Shaw, commander, mates and crew nineteen in number. For the first few days after leaving port, the weather proved rather adverse, but after a succession of baffling winds, she got well off the North Cape, when the wind coming foul, she was impelled partly by a strong current, along the western coast of this island to the southward, when after exhausting the provender laid in for i he cattle, it was resolved as the safest course to put into Manukau, it being no bar harbour. She •tood in accordingly with a fair wind, under top. gallant sails, the mate sounding in a boat a head. He reported three fathoms water, the Orwell drawing about 12$ feet, when Captain Shay observed broken water close a head, and immediately attempted to round the vessel to, bnt the wind having fallen light, and a rapid flood tide sweeping h?r along, sne struck nearly broadside upon a shoal bearing about weit from a conipicuous rock lying off the northern side of the entrance of Manukau harbour. The long boat was launched as quickly as pomiblc over the side, and several of the crew with some of their personal effects weJe got into her, and with others in the remaining two boats were landed safely, Captain Shaw, Mr. Carleton, the carpenter, and steward remaining on board. After making many ineffectual tempts to save some of the property, they were iv about an hour after the vessel struck forced lo quit her, and get into tbe boat which had returned with the second mate and three seamen ; the sea at this time was making a complete breach over the vessel, and she threatening momentarily to break up. In the surf, the boat upset, but all succeeded in getting on shore thoroughly drenched, and the captain reached town overland on Thursday night last, by way of Onehunga. We regret to say, that Captain Shaw saved nothing but what clothes be happened to have on, and we believe Mr. Carleton has with Mr. Lewis suffered similarly. The Orwell is thought to be fully insured at Sydney where she lately underwent a thorough refit, making her as good as new, but no part of the freight or cargo. The Captain states that the shoal on which she struck wai not laid down on the chart given to him for his guidance, and which he relied on. Soon after quitting, two of her jnas'i fell overboard. A small vessel called the Victory of 20 tous, which happened to be lying in Manukau harbour, was despatched on Wednesday evening, by Captain Shaw to the wreck, with directions to aave auchoi>, cables, and whatever else she could.