LOSS OF THE HURRICANE.

Press, Volume XIV, Issue 1894, 11 May 1869, Page 3

LOSS OF THE HURRICANE.

The list of marine casualties which have occurred in Port Phillip received an unexpected addition on Thursday, by the foundering in Capel Sound of the ship Hurricane, which arrived off Cape Otway on Tuesday. The first intimation received in town of the vessel being in peril was by a telegram from Queenscliff to the agents, to the effect that the Hurricane was then under Arthur's Seat in difficulty, and to all appearance sinking. In less than half an hour afterwards a second telegram conveyed the intelligence that her bows were under water, and that her stern was resting on a bank. This was almost immediately followed by another message stating that the ship was altogether under water. On learning what had happened, Mr Dickson (of Dickson, Williams, and Co, agents of the vessel), proceeded in the steamer Hercules to Capel Sound. The steamer Mystery, with Captain Fullarton (of the Harbour department) on board, and the steamer Challenge, also proceeded to the scene. The sinking condition of the ship was first observed from Queenscliff by Mr Pilot Singleton, who suggested that the steamer Titan, which was then at the Heads, should at once be despatched to the vessel's assistance. The Titan steamed for the South Channel with Pilots Singleton and Leighton on board, and with the Customs boat, in charge of Mr Keen, in tow. Before j the Titan had reached the wreck, howi ever, the Hurricane had settled down, and the passengers and crew, who had taken to the boats, were transferred to the steamer. After calling at Schnapper Point, the Titan reached the railway pier, Sandridge, about eight o'clock at night, and the passengers and crew were conveyed to I Melbourne by rail, the former being ; accommodated at the Immigrants' Home and the latter at the Sailors' I Home. The Hurricane was an iron ship of 1,198 tons register, and was built on the Clyde in 1853. She was commanded by Captain D. H. Johnston, E.N.E., formerly of the clipper ship Lightning. The Hurricane sailed from Liverpool on January 12, with

over 2,000 tons of general rnrjjo, and three cabin and sixteen second cabin passengers, and a crew of twenty-eight, all told. After leaving Liverpool the ship was exposed for twenty-one days, in fact until reaching Madeira, to a constant succession of heavy southwesterly gales. Cape Otway was made at noon on the 20th instant, and the pilot, Mr Charles Kennedy, was taken on board at six p.m. on the 21st. Port Phillip Heads were entered at eight a.m. next day, and Captain Johnston states that on passing Point Lonsdale it was felt that the ship twice grazed the bottom, but so very slightly that little or no notice was taken of the matter. The pumps were sounded, but no water was found. Shortly after, on passing up the South Channel, it was noticed that the ship was drooping by the head. The forehold was again sounded, and six feet of water was found in it. Captain Johnston and the pilot thought that by shortening sail and anchoring the vessel, the forehold might be freed of.water,, as a great ileal was coming-in through the hawse-pipes. Sail was accordingly shortened and the anchors let go, but in a very few minutes the ship went down by the head in about five fathoms and a half of water. Previous to her settling, there was but scant time for the passengers and crew to get into the boats, the number of which was limited by reason of the Jong boat being stove by the sea washing along the decks. Captain Johnston only saved his chronometers and sextant; while Mrs Johnston—who was taken into the boat thoroughly drenched —and the passengers and crew, have lost everything but what they stood up in. The wreck is at present in charge of the chief officer, along with the Customhouse officer from Queenscliff. The Hurricane is owned by Messrs W. and J. Lockhart. The ship and cargo are announced to be sold by auction on a day to be named.—" Argus," April 24.