ARRIVAL OF THE CLAUD HAMILTON.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1107, 16 September 1873, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE CLAUD HAMILTON.

FRIGHTFUL G-ALE. CAPTAIN DROWNED. HOKITIKA. September 15. The Claud Hamilton arrived off Hokitika at 5 a.m. on the 12th, having left Port Phillip sth September. On Sunday, 7tli September at 8 p.m. heavy gale blowing and high sea running until 10 p.m , when it was highest. The ship running under close reefed foremain-topsail and reefed mainsail, at speed of eight knots,, and shipping large quantities of water. At 11 p.m. the ship was struck by a heavy sea, carrying away bulwarks, skylights, companion and Captain's cabin. Captain Rouse while in his bed being carried to sea, and never seen after. When the sea had struck the ship nothing was left on the quarter-deck but the wheel. The steering and hanging - compasses, chronometers, charts, log, glasses, and signal-book, being clean unshipped and swept into the sea, as also the whole deck-cargo in consequence of the iron stanchions on poop being carried away. All hands were called and the ship hove to, the deck cleared, and water baled out of the saloon, and skylights nailed down. The ship remained hove to until two p.m. on the Bth (next day), when the gale subsided and damages were repaired. Starting at one p.m., ship going three quarter speed with fore and aft sails set, which rate increased to full speed At midnight wind S.E. She spoke the s.s. Albion on Wednesday at three p.m., keeping with her one hour to correspond. Fresh breeze from east, and with weather moderate and fine, sighted land at seven p.m , on the eleventh inst, and arrived off Hokitika. FURTHER PARTICULARS. Captaiu House was heard to cry out twice, the second time faintly. Testimonials and purses have been presented by the passengers to the first officer, Sinclair, and helmsman Fisher, for their skill and courage. The helmsman stoud resolutely to his wheel.