The Eastward Ho in a Cyclone.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 98, 24 April 1886, Page 4

The Eastward Ho in a Cyclone.

Cent»e of the Fiji Hurricane.

Thk recent experience of the perils of the sea by the little Eastward Ho of 45 tons is somewhat marvellous. Leaving tho island of Cicia'on tho ovening of the 2nd of March for Mago, the commencement of what eventually proved to be a cyclone of considerable violence: Compolledto keeponthestarboard tack on account of tho vicinity of the reels to the S.E.S.,ho gradually drifted to theN. W. and into tho centre of the vortex. The wind blowing with hurricane force the whole of Wednesday, a frightful day and night was passed, and at 5 a.m. on Thursday, the 4th, the master found himself on tho edge of the centre, tho wind lulling and the stars appearing until at 0 it was calm with flashes of pale sheet lightning, accompanied by a mournful moaning noise that came from the rotary gale, that in the distance looked like laud all round some 5 or 600 foot high withthe sea risinginhighandmighty waves, threatening destruction if one got on board. Uor two hours sho remained in thia position, with her bar at 27 50, preparing by all human moans to secure everything ugainst the sure certain change approaching, as sheagain and became enwrapped in tho rotatory humcano Here wo quote the words of the masters, the vessel now being on port tack, heading N.L. going back ovor tho ground sho had recently traversed: — , "Tho wind then settled down to bow ■with the mosttorrific violence that nothing could withstand, the vessel being pressed right down on hor starboard side until her maHts wero CO or 70 degroos from porpen<licular, and nea rushing up tho 100 mdc right along the dock. As it was impossible for the vessol to live much longer, the main rigging was cut away and the mainmast fell over, but hung by mainstay from foremast hoad,so had to cut away foromast, the vessel immediately passing ovor thorn. J ibboom carriod away, and, shortly after, bowsprit went away abeo. Crew cut away all gear holding spars to prevont thorn knocking ft hole in the vessol und shifted back some cargo that had moved to leowurd. At thia time it was quito impossible to look to windward, the sleet cutting liko a knife. Tho wind was blowing the top of the seas right across the vessel. Put out two bags of oil to prevent heavy sea breaking on board, with good result. Tho day wore away with roaring noises from wind and sea, barometor rising rapidly in tho evening still blowing a tempest. A vory gloomy prospect of striking a reef or foundering during the night. 7p.m., barometer 28.90 ; the vossel must be very strongly built, or she mußt have went to pieces ; as it is, she makes very littlo water. Friday. Passed a very unhappy night. Vessel head ing N.». and driftingS.E. byE , wind N.W. Vessels being tossed wildly about, an occasional sea breaking over the poop, washing the compass away. At first dawn of day sighted an islnnd to leeward, bearingS.S.B., two miles off. Got the staysail boom cut from stem, put down fore scuttle, and lashed it to pawl bit. Tied an overhand knot in trysail hoisted it up, and got vessel's head paid-off, towarda the island, then luffed her up a couple of pointa, and just cleared the N.E polntof the reef by about aquarter of a mile. Took the island to be Naitabu, which we expected to be within ten miles of. It turned out to be Vanua Vatu, 70 miles SJE from Naitabu. The veasel must have been carried along by storm wave and current when near and in centre (vortex) of cyclone, southward. Rigged up two 20ft sweopsfor mainmast and hove-to for the night, wind N.W; force 8. Captain Place's journal proceeds to recount in detail the difficulties experienced in navigating his vessel, under her two sweeps, a piece of fore gaff, and staysail boom for masts and gear, to the island of Magp, through the channels between the islands and reefs, tho currents working their own aweet will, and placing his vessel in constant jeopardy of stranding.