DISASTER TO THE BARQUE DUKE OF SUTHERLAND

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2841, 3 May 1882, Page 2

DISASTER TO THE BARQUE DUKE OF SUTHERLAND

About seven o’clock last night the firing of rockets and the burning of blue-lights on board the barque Duke of Sutherland, (lying about a quarter of a mile beyond the end of the breakwater) showed that the vessel was in distress. As, up to dark, all the vessels in the port appeared to bo riding securely to their anchor, every one was taken by surprise, and it was -some considerable time, indeed, before any notice was taken of the signals. By eight o’clock, however, the news got about, and a large crowd of persons assembled on the breakwater. The arrival of a boat from the ship, having on board a number of the crew, cleared up the mystery. The men on landing stated that the ship had struck, and was rapidly filling with water, and they desired that assistance might be sent as soon as possible to those on board. In the meantime, however, the ship Benvenue had sent off boats to rescue Captain Rowland and others loft on board the barque. It appears, as far as we are able to learn, that the first intimation the people of the barque had of the coming disaster was that the vessel, a little before seven o’clock, quivered violently, and almost immediately after came down with a heavy bump. Signals of distress were at once made, and the first to perceive and act upon these was Capt. McGowan, of the Benvenue, who proceeded on board. It was found that the Sutherland’s stern post had been started, and the water was coming in rapidly. The crew (or most of them) were sent ashore, and all the papers and portable articles of value were transferred to the Benvenue. Captain Rowland then came ashore, and returned to tho vessel with the Harbormaster about ten o’clock, and shortly after signalled for extra hands. A considerable number were sent off, and were immediately set to work at the pumps, while the landing service carpenter was got to see whether there was any possibility of stopping the leak. After pumping for some hours without lessening tho water, the cables were slipped, and tho vessel allowed to drift into the bay, where she grounded. The barque was ’ then abandoned. During the morning the vessel, though gradually settling lower in the water, maintained an upright position with her stern to tho swell. Towards noon, however, the sea increased with the rising tide, and the vessel gradually settled ocer on her side, the sea sweeping her decks and destroying the cabins and deck house. No hopes are entertained of again floating her, and tho earliest opportunity will be taken to save the sails, and rigging. The Duke of Sutherland is a wooden vessel, of 1047 tons register, and was built in Aberdeen. She had on board over 10,000 sacks of grain shipped by the N.Z.G-.A. Co, (P. Cunningham and Co.), all insured. She was to have been on her way home now, but delay after delay, caused by want of facilities in the port, has kept her here to meet her doom. What the effect of the disaster will be, coming on the heels of the City of Cashmere wreck, we hardly dare to think. Tho matter demands grave and searching enquiry. Much sympathy is felt for Captain Rowland in his misfortune. During the time he has been in Timaru his carefulness for the safety of his vessel, and his courtesy, have made him respected by all. We regret to learn that he met with a slight accident last night, while trying to ascertain the whereabouts of tho leak.