IN THE BREAKERS.

Patea Mail, 28 September 1880, Page 3

IN THE BREAKERS.

The Homeward ship Wairaate, from New Zealand, ran into a position of extreme peril in rounding Cape Horn. She got too near the coast, and running in among islands and rocks near that stormy cape, the ship’s ultimate escape is a surprising story. A lady passenger writes :—“ Our state of excitement and fear was something awful. Some took off their clothes for the purpose of being better able to assist themselves in saving their lives ; others liad their life-belts ready ; others said good-bye, fearing the next moment would be their last ; others prepared for a jump, while the rest were in prayer to God—all being done in a much shorter time than 1 can write it. By the mercy of God’s providence we sailed clear, after having given up in despair. Everywhere we were within three or four yards of the breakers and rocks, and right in amongst the thicket of seaweed which surrounded the ship. To look around and see the awful fate we had so miraculous an esenpe from is beyond description. After sailing about six miles a fire was seen on shore, and upon close examination through glasses a native settlement was discovered. The natives are a wild, uncivilised race of men, who would think nothing of robbing the ship and murdering all on board. They were cannibals. Several canoes were seen close to shore, about a mile distant, and ready for us. One came close to us. They were black natives, armed witli bows, arrows, and spears. Some were naked, others wore the native costume. They called to us to stop, but the captain thought it wiser to go on, so we left them behind. Still wo

were not safe ; as evening came it brought a calm, and during the night the current was driving us down upon the island. We could see ourselves drifting upon the rocks. At last the breeze came. All who knew the dangerous position could not rest, but were in a state of active suspense. How thankful we were when the breeze came and took us clear of laud !”