The Accident to the Chimborazo.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2850, 3 April 1878, Page 3

The Accident to the Chimborazo.

The following account of tho casualty which happened io the Chimborazo on the passage from Melbourne to Syduey is from the Sydney Morning Herald :—

" About 11 o'clock on the morning of the 14th inst., as all the passengers were gleefully anticipating reaching their destination in a few hours, the Chimborazo, going at a high rate of speed, struck rocks at Point Perpendicular. The sea was- nearly as calm as oil at the time, but there hung over the Point and neighbouring rofiks a pall-like mist. The pas.-engers wero engaged in various pursuits at the timp, and the first alarm of approaching danger was given by one of the hands forward calling out, " Breakers ahead !'' Many passengers were on deck,; and within a hundred yards or so saw rocks in front, from which they judged instantaneously ; there was no escape; others were below and knesr nothing of their dangerous situation till the vessel itruck. When the alarm was first sounded, Captain Hall at once gave orders for reversing the engines, and, in fact, this was accomplished and a few strokes taken astern, when the steamer struck. The rocks receiving the impact of the vessel must have been considerably under water, and extended into the sea 4.oft. or 50ft. at le.ist. The vessel was driven with great force on them about 25ft., and the result was a hole, causing her forward compartment trJramediately fill with water, and makinSihe vessel settle by tho ; .head. Tae boats were immediately swung but and tackles made ready for lowering them, while every hand hurried quietly and quickly to his post. The wells were sounded, and it was ascertained after a brief interval that the water had not forced its way into tho main-hold compartrhsnt. Orders were given for all the' crew and passengers to go aft, and almost at the same time the engines were backed. This state of things continued several minutes, during which the ship was in a very critical position, her stern gradually falling round, and threatening to bring her broadside on the rocks. Great apprehension was felt lest she should be wounded in the bilge or aft, where hitherto she had remained untouched, and it was also feared, from the force of the concussion, that after she had got clear of the rocks, she would fill and go down in deep water. By keeping the engines full speed astern, and causing every one to run aft, the vessel was at length got off, and kept within Casy distance from the land until boats were lowered,, and the passengers could be landed. This was accomplished in about 20 minute* afier the accident. The passengers behaved admirably. A few ladies shed tears, but there was nothing approaching general consternation or excitement. The sailors went to work as steadily as if there was no danger to be apprehended, and tne captain and his officers gave orders as coolly as if they were in a drawingroom. There* was ho attempt to rush, the boats. The ladies and children were placed in them first, then the remaining passengers, .with some provisions, and away all started m comfortably as if proceeding to a picnic. Literally it was a pleasare trip to thepasiengeri. A creek of fresh water was fonnd, on the banks of which tents were pitched and a temporary settlement was established, the inhabitants of which enjoyed their refreshments al fresco. was very little dulness in the "community. Some members of it found amusement in fishing, others in reading, and many in wandering over the rocks and beach in search of maritime curiosities. In the meantime the balk-head of the Chimborazo was shored up, and the vessel herself steamed slowly across the moult of the bay to the shelter in Darling Eoads before mentioned. Here soundings were carefully taken, and an anchorage chosen, where if the steamer filled, the water would not rise above her main deck, so that she can now be regarded as being in a state of comparative safety. Some divers were sent down by the A.S.N. Co., and from an early Hour on Saturday till midday these and Captain Hall were busily engaged examining the nature of tho damage done to the vessel. The opinions of some authorities are that the Chimborazo will be enabled to reach Sydney in the course of a week or 10 days, but that, as about 24ft. of .her keel and bottom are seriously injured it will be three months before she can be made thoroughly seaworthy again. f Sty is at present 7ft. down by the hasji. in seven fathoms at high water, "but, luckily, the damage to cargo has not been veiy considerable, and, so far, is confined to the forohold. When tho anchor was let go signals of distress were fired and shown, and the Adela, passing at the time, went in, and her crew lent material aid in bringing the passengers from the shore. A ketch in the vicinity also rendered assistance, and when news of the disaster reached Sydney steamers were at once engaged to relieve tho Chimborazo by lightening her cargo or in any other possible way. There is no doubt tW the accident has been of a most serious character, and that the passengers had a narrow escape from losing their lives. That is, of course, speaking generally, because strong swimmers might have reached the shore. H*d the affair, however, bappenea at night" instead of during, Tery few of the passengers would be in Sydney, to-day. Some pf them who saw the rocks just before the accident describe their feelings as unutterabfo. and some say the effect of the coneulswrs on the nerves was similar to a powerful electric shqck, and a subsequent sense of quickly approaching death. Captain Hall speaks most favorably of the passengers, and they have accorded him a like compliment in an address expressive of their sympathy for him on account of the unpleasant circumstances in which he has been placed. On Saturday, by noon, the CfiUarpy had taken on board the personal luggage of tho passengers, and at 1 o'clock the owners thereof followed, and orders were given to ' let go.' As the steamer receded from the side of the huge Chimborazo hearty cheers were given for her officers and men, and these were as lustily returned. The Collaroy then mn down to the scene of the disaster, and rhe Captain was good enough to ' stop her' while tho place was photographed."