STORM AT SEA.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 77, 2 April 1888, Page 2

STORM AT SEA.

NARROW ESCAPE OF A SHIP.

From Capbain Hutton, of the s.s. Richmond, we learn that the ship Shannon was at Papeete, Tahiti, on the 17th inst. in a sinking condition. The Shannon is a vessel of 1,292 tons register, belonging to Mr J. C. Ellis, ot Newcastle, and was engaged on the coal trade between Newcastle and America. She left Newcastle early in January, in charge of Captain Mitchell, with 1,400 tons of coal for Wilmington. He was unable to get round the North of New Zealand, and in passing to the south sprang a leak in a heavy gale she experienced. When off Vitearin island a rotary storm was experienced and the water was coming in at the rate of 15 inches an hour in spite of the pumps which were kept going. The Captain then made for Tahiti, and on reaching Papeete, commenced putting out his coal. When the Richmond left, though sea watch was kept, and the pumps going day and night, she kept making 16 inches an hour. The cargo was being put out as rapidly as possible, and some 900 tons had already been discharged. She had then been a month at Tapeete and is likely to stay there a few more. Captain Mitchell had his wife and child on board, and he sent them on by the Richmond to take steamer to Newcastle. The Shannon had 22 hands on board all told.