WRECK OF THE SCHOONER ZEPHYR.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 57, 11 October 1864, Page 2

WRECK OF THE SCHOONER ZEPHYR.

The TaranaTci Herald of 17 ult., reports the following case of shipwreck : — It is our \mpleasing duty to record another "wreck in this roadstead, which occured on Sunday evening last. The foJ'owing is the captain's statement to us : — - " The top-sail schooner Zephyr, 56 tons regia ter, built at Hobart Town of bkie gum in 1851' owned and commanded by Alexander Imlay' anchored in roadstead early on Tuesday morning' 6th August, with cargo of timber consigned to Webster Brothers. Had only two boat loads of timber out up to Saturday morning, there being too much sea on to work a raft which had been tried. On Saturday, the 10th iostant the sea having gone down, the greater part of the timber was rafted, and at 5 p.m. only about three boat loads were left. At that time there was a boat alongside, but she went away empty — those in charge considering it too late to land anything. Had ord'nary exei-tion been used the Vessel could have been discharged ; on Saturday at noon weather changed, and sudden squall came on from north with rain, which lasted about fifteen minutes, then fell dead calm. During afternoon weather looking very suspicious to westward; went on board the ketch Mary and Elizabeth to consult with Captain Warren. He signalled to shore as to what the weather would be. The reply was, ' The weather will be moderate." It continued calm the whole afternoon. Towards evening my barometer, as also that of Capt. Warren, continued falling, and a heavy swell coming in from N.W., indicating a strong breeze from thatquarter, I determinedon getting under weigh the first chance of a steady breeze — being afraid of the wind veeriug more to the westward, and lying just inside the outer mooring buoy the vessel might get into the breakers with the wind from that quarter especially as the tide was ebbing. About 7 p.m., steady breeze from north, got under weigh on the starboard tack, heading W.N.W. About a quarter of an hour after the anchor was tripped, the breeze suddenly fell. Immediately ordered the anchors to be got ready, when the breeze came again in puffs. At this time the sea had set the vessel i pretty close into the reef, and having got weigh on her, tried to stay her, but with the heavysweJl she would not come round, and it again fell calm. Let go both anchors and payed out chain — then in three fathom 3 water — clued up and run down all sail ; made signals by lights to shore, about half-past seven. The anchors held for about a quarter of an hour, when they commenced to drag, owing to the heavy swell, and continued striking heavily until she wa3 abandoned shortly after 11. At half-past 10 observed the first boat coming fcona shore, which, after two ineffectual attempts, with kedge and surf line, managed to come under the bows. There being not the slightest chance of saving the vessel, she being firmly embedded in the rocks, and every probability of her breaking up next tide. I felt it my duty to abandon her in order to save the lives of the crew. Accordingly ordered them into the boat, and afterwards followed myself." Captain Imlay and the crew lost nearly all they had, — the former saving only a writing desk, which contained but a few papers. The crew consisted of a mate and three seamen. The vessel had been continuously insured the last fifteen months for the west coast of New Zealand for two-thirdg of her value — £600 — and the insurance expired only on the Bth instant. During tho gale on Monday night, the vcbsol completely broke up. On Tuesday, the wreck, including chains, cable, rigging, &c, sold for £69 9s. 6d., and the undischarged portion of timber realised £22 10s. Captain Irnlay desires to return his thanks to Captain Gib3on, the Harbor Master, and the crew of the surf-boat for their strenuous exertions in exertions in coming off ..and saving himself and crew. We are also desired by him to mention that he thinks it would be desirable to have a look-out kept on shore at night, with light signals at hand. He believes, had there been such a look-out on Sunday night, and his signals seen at first, there to a probftbuity of, saving the retsel.