WRECK OF SHAMROCK

Waikato Argus, Volume X, Issue 954, 25 May 1901, Page 2

WRECK OF SHAMROCK

KING ON BOARD. HIS MAJESTY UNHURT. (Received May 23. 4.25 p m.J London. May 22. While Sir T. Lipton's two yacbttt, Shamrock I. and Shamrock 11., the latter having been specially constructed to compete in thn year's race fqr the America Cup. ware about to start eni « trial B F in in tljo sol° nt ' a sudden squall struck both vessel ß * , _, , ,- The topmast of Shamrock 11, backled ax>A tha bowsprit snappwl. bringing down the twa»ton roast, which fell with a crash overbfifttdi the yacht becoming ft total wreck, His Majesty King Edward VII. Wft9 on board at the time, and, with Sir T, Lipton, was seated on the deck oloso to T he companion-way, but escaped üßhu ,rr - When the accident occurred, two torpedo-destroyer's, 7-hich were acting as an escort to the &ng, steamed full speed to the scene, in order to render assistance, but the captain of the yacht shouted to tnenJ that no one was hurt, The King was subsequently taken on board the torpedo-deatroyer .Erin and landed at Southhampton, where great excitement, prevailed, "as also in J- 10 "." don. when it became known that His. Majesty had besn in peril. (Received May 24, 12.47 a.m.? London, May 23. Both the Shamrock and Sybarits were manoeuvring for a start, and a 12-lmot breeze was blowing. Shamrock 11. was close-hauled and was coming round <_-n the starboard tack when a heavy easterly squall caught her abeam, heeling her over. The bobstay plate shroud fastening gave way, and then the bowsprit. Next the topmast collapsed, and then the mast broke, first at the heel of the topmast and afterwards 3ffc abova the deck. The wreckage fell to lee» ward. The broken mast, which doubled under the ship, touching the bottom, held her fast until a rivetter, fetched from Cowes, cut away the broken mast, allowing it and the gear and the sails to sink. The main boom staysail alone was saved. ■