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TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE SOVEREIGN STEAM-PACKET, AND MELANCHOLY LOSS OF LIFE.

The following is an abridged account (from the Sydney papers) of the total destruction of this vessel in crossing the bar of Moreton Bay, which we regtet to say was attended with a melancholy loss of life. The steamer left Brisbane ou the 3rd of March, with ten cabin passengers, eighteen in the steerage, and a master and crew of 26 persons, making in all 54 souls. She had also a quantity of cargo, consisting of wool and other produce ; about 40 bales of the wool, with a quantity of wood for fuel was upon the deck. A succession of southerly gales detained the steamer at Amity Point until the 10th March, when Captain (Jape got the steam up, and proceeded to the bar; but not deeming it prudent to go out, he returned to the ancborage. On the following morning the steamer proceeded to the bar, which did not present a dangerous appearance. She passed over the first and second rollers in safety, but had still another wave to encounter before getting over the bar ; and at this critical juncture, the engineer called out toCapt. Cape, that tbe framing of the engines and part of the machinery had broken down. •As the vessel was making way, he could hardly give credence to it at the time ; but on descending from his post on the paddle-box, he examined them, and found that the frames of both engines were broken close under the plummer-boxes, which were turned upside down. He then went away to ascertain the position of the ship, and found that she was drifting on the north spit. The engineer shortly afterwards let the steam off by order of the captain, to prevent the vessel from being blown up. The sea at this time was making breaches over her, and the rudder chains parted. Captain Cape rushed instantly to the helm, and endeavoured to secure it ; but his efforts were unsuccessful. As the vessel still drifted, the larboard anchor was let go, the starboard one having been carried away from tbe bows, with about fifty fathoms of chain, which parted in the swell. Notwithstanding there was no wind at the time, she still continued to drag on to the north spit. Previously to letting go the anchor, the sail was set to provide against the danger that had been foreseen, but all to no purpou. Tht rollers

I now broke upon the devoted vessel with great violence, carrying away bulwarks, and causing the wool and billets of wood to move violently about the decks, whereby three men were killed, while several more had their arms and legs broken, or were otherwise disabled. The captain then told the passengers that h: saw no hope of saving the vessel,- as she was still dragging towards the spit. He had just ceased speaking, when a tremendous sea broke over the ship, and swept the fore-cabin companion flush with the deck, and washed awly the fore-hatches. Tarpawlings were then nailed over them, but they proved of no service. No pen can adequately describe the awful scene which presented itielf on board at this time. The passengers were in the utmost consternation : they set up most piteous cries for help, some ran to the side, and in ah agony of despair plunged into the sea, in the hope that they might in some way or other reach the shore ; others worked ior some tir»> at the pumps, which however soon got choked, and they then assisted in heaving overboard the remainder of the deck cargo. At lehgth the vessel appeared to be sinking, the water being nearly level with the top stairs of thejcompanion. The dreadful moment which was ib determine the fate of all who still remained on board now drew on ; and every one saw in the countenance of his companion the vivid expression of his own feelings. At this particular juncture, Mr. Dennis was observed standing near the poop with his head cut open and bleeding profusely. Mr. Elliot was close to him, and Berkeley a little below them. Captain Cape, who had more than once beeu washed overboard, was holding on by the shrouds. Mr. Stubbs, who appears to have maintained his presence of mind throughout, now cried out, " avoid the suction," and jumped overboard. One dreadful shriek Was heard, proceeding from one of the females in the fore part of the ship, as she took one roll, heeled over, and sunk, and then all was still. The struggle for life then commenced ; some of the passengers clung to the wool bales — some to portions of the wreck — while others, who had been disabled on board, soon sunk to rise no more alive. Out of the whole number on board only ten persons succeeded in reaching the shore alive. The total loss of property, vessel included, is estimated at £20,000.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZSCSG18470428.2.7

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 182, 28 April 1847, Page 3

Word count
Tapeke kupu
821

TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE SOVEREIGN STEAM-PACKET, AND MELANCHOLY LOSS OF LIFE. New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 182, 28 April 1847, Page 3

TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE SOVEREIGN STEAM-PACKET, AND MELANCHOLY LOSS OF LIFE. New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 182, 28 April 1847, Page 3

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