SHIP WRECKED AT THE SOLANDERS.

Southland Times, Issue 1105, 6 August 1869, Page 5

SHIP WRECKED AT THE SOLANDERS.

Considerable sympathy was excited in town on Monday, 2nd inst., when it became known that during the previous night, a boat had reached the Bluff with a nnmber of shipwrecked mariners on board. On making enquires it was ascertained that the men were the captain, crew, and a passenger, of the brig, Piince Edward, which had foundered at sea dur'ng a hurricane a few days previously. The statement of Captain Pallant is that he was master of the brig, which was owned by Mess. J Piggott Bros., of Melbourne. He sailed from Newcastle, New South Wales, on the 13th ult., bound for Timaru with a cargo of coals. She experiencei strong southerly gales until Thursday, the 29th ; when, about 40 miles to the north west of Wast Cape, the wind shifted to the north, and blew a hurricane. She was then hove to, and at 3 p.m. a sea struck her, and carried away bowsprit and jib-boom, and swept the forward part of the ship, straining her so that she began to leak. From this time untfl the crew had to take to the boats, they never left the pumps. At 10.30 p.m. she was struck by another sea in mid. ships, which swept her decks, carrying away the forecastle, hatch, and cabin skylight ; fortunately they were able to secure the long boat. It then became evident that they could not save the ship, but they determined, if possible, to stay by her during the night, and a fearful night it proved to be. The ship had sunk so deep, in consequence of the water in her hold, that the sea made one continued breach over her. During this trying time, the crew stuck bravely to the pumps. At 10.30 a.m. an the 30th, the longboat was got out ; a small jar of water, and a few pounds of biscuits, put into her, and the crew, nine in number, including the captain, with one passenger, abandoned the sinking ship. About half an hour after the boat had left she gave one heavy lurch and sank. When the ■ea had calmed somewhat the boat was put on her course for the Bluff, irhieh she made about midnight on Sunday night. Five of the poor fellows were in a very bad state after their three days exposure, their legs and feet, arms, and hands, being much swo^ea and veiy painful. Immediately on their arrival they were taken on board the Spec, and treated in the kindest possible manner by Captain Rich, and on Monday tbey were brought up to town bj train and taken to the Hospital, where, it is unnecessary to say, everything which could be done to alleviate their distress was promptly performed. An inquiry Was held into the circumstances attending the loss of the vessel, which acquitted the captain of blame.