AT SEA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 6, 8 January 1895, Page 5

AT SEA.

The voyage of the Auckland brigantine Anthons, which arrived afc Sydney on Thursday last from Kaipara, waß marked by a remarkable phenomenon in the shape of an electrical disturbance, and the experience was one that is not likely to be forgotten by the crew. On December 29th, at 6 p.m., there was every appearance of a " southerly burster " setting in, and sail was in consequence reduced, and the vessel hove to. The Antbons was then out six days. At 8 p.m. lightning and thunder started, and both continued, with but brief intermission, for two hours, the former being vivid and dangerously near. Aboub 8.35 p.m., whilst the storm was at its height, an aerolite of considerable size burst with a very loud report close to the starboard foretopmast backstays, scattering its frag- j ments around, though fortunately none fell/ on the deck. One of the crew, Richars Johnson, who was standing; near the mi£zcnmaHt at. the time, received a severe shock to the system, whilst the others on board felt staggered. The ship appearing to be right in the path of the electric current,ltno watch on deck were ordered-fcelo'w for safety^ the helm being lashed. Ciiptain Hyde and the mate then eoughb shelter in i the companionway, and had only-just reached there when a second -" stone"' burst within 10yds of where they had been standing, and a third burst about seven: minutes lafcernear the same place. Several others were seen to explode at a;little distance from blia vessel, all of them having v crackling report, the watch below thinking, wheu tbe first one barsb, chab one of the maab3 had gone over tha side. All danger was over at 10 p.m., after which beautifully fine weather prevailed' till) nearing the coast. Contrary to expectations, the vessel escaped without injury, and considering she was right in the midiat of the phenomenon, it was marvellous tiat she was nob struck. The barometer, during, the presence of the electric current, stood ab 29.95, whilsb the wind blew frym all. parts of tho compass. . c . <