LOSS OF THE SCHOONER AMARANTH.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2531, 2 May 1881, Page 2

LOSS OF THE SCHOONER AMARANTH.

SECOND EDITION

During the south westerly gale that burst oyer Timaru yesterday the schooner Amaranth drifted from her moorings in the roadstesd and was stranded on the northern beach. The Amaranth, 51 tons?, commanded by Captain Colin Campbell, an old and experienced navigator, arrived here, from G-reymouth, on Wednesday last with 70 tons of coal on board consigned by the Brunner Coal Company. At the time of the accident the captain was on shore. The schooner was observed drifting about 8 a.m., and it is said that shortly afterwards she parted with both her anchors. About 9.30 she was bumping heavily in front of the brigantine Circe's bows. The spars and rigging of the vessels became entangled,- and the seamen of the Aramanth had to cut the ropes awny. At this time about a score of seafaring men and others were watching the movements of the vessels from the Beakwater, and Captain Mills (harbor master) and Captain Campbell were taking observations from the lighthouse., A flag of distress was run up and Captain Mills signalled to " cut or sslip," 'but it was too late for any attempt to" be made to save the boat. Believing the crew of the Amaranth to be in danger it was suggested that the lifeboat should be got out, and two of the compositors belonging to this office volunteered to assist in manning her. The lifeboat crew, however, were absent and sufficient volunteers could not be found. About an hour and a half after the distress signal had been run, up, the Harbor Master's and one of the watermen's boats proceeded to the scene o? the disaster, and the crew of the Amaranth, consisting of the mate and four men, having in the meantime abandoned their vessel and got on board the Circe, were conveyed ashore. The Amaranth was seen to drift oc the beach near Milford Lagoon, and shortly afterwards her masts disappeared. Captain Campbell, during the afternoon drove out to the spot and found the schooner a total wreck about four miles beyond the Washdyke lagoon. On his way he met in with a nasty accident, being thrown out, and his face was severely scratched and cut. The Amaranth and cargo are valued at £IOOO and the vessel was the property of Messrs Guthrie and Larnach. It is not known whether the insurance will cover the loss.