Particulars of the Disaster. She Went Ashore in Full Sail. Helensville, 1.20 p.m.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 84, 10 January 1885, Page 6

Particulars of the Disaster. She Went Ashore in Full Sail. Helens ville, 1.20 p.m.

The Annabell is n total wreck. The crew are all saved. Mr Scott, lighthouse-keeper, has just arrived here in the tug-boat, and

reports that Captain McDonald and crew landed at the lighthouse at 10 o'olock last night. The mate was injured in landing. The boat and every thing was lost, including the chronometer and men's clothes. They did not leavo until the water was up to the combings of the hatch. Some had to swim to the boat. The vessel went on a shoal at 7.30, in fine weather, with all sails, including the royals set. No break { ! was then visible on the shoal. The masts fell two hours afterwards, when the hands took to the boat. All were very much confused on landing. i They stayed all night at the lighthouse and remain there yet. The vessel is owned in Sydney. The captain is part owner. She is insured in Sydney. The cargo consisted of one hundred tons of coal con- j signed to Mr Dargavill9. ; The Annabell was a large brig, registering 348 tons. She came here from Prince Edwards Island a comparatively new i vessel about five years ago, and was purchased by Messrs G. W. Owen and Co. Whon that firm was formed into the Auckland Agricultural and Mercantile Company, "the Annabell passed into possession of the company, and after trading under its flag for some time, she was sold to Mr J. P. Walker, of Sydney, whose agents in Auckland are Messrs Stone Brothers. Her value then was about £2,500, which was somewhere about the price paid for her by Mr Walker. It is believed that the insurances upon the vessel wero transferred from Auckland to Sydney offices. The Annabell was a comparatively new vessel, having only been built at Prince Edward's Island in 1878.

Hklevhville, January 7. The wreck of tho Annabell, after floating about tho Hoads for two days, came ashore nnder the lighthouse. Only her ribs are left with part of the masts attached, and tho sails washed to ribbons. Captain McDonald has gone to Auckland to-day. He was sole owner. Great difficulty was experienced in getting away after she struck, as she filled so rapidly. The first boat was swamped with some of the crew in her, and on getting the second boat over tho side,th« mate was injured. She also filled, but they took the men out of the swamped boat, and pulling into smooth water, baled her out with caps and boota. The captain had got a trunk on deck containing the chronometer, binoculars, certificate, clothes, and £30 in cash. The box was washed overboard. He has since searched, but cannot find it. He has offered the cash to anyone recovering and giving him the remainder.