SCOW MAGIC ASHORE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2668, 13 January 1916, Page 6

SCOW MAGIC ASHORE

ON SHAG POINT, EVANS BAY. Considerable excitement was caused round the waterfront of Evans Bay early last evening when it became known that a sailing vessel had 'gone ashore on Shag Point, at the head of the Bay. _ Hundreds of people gathered ill the vicinity, and it was found that the auxiliary scow Magic, 82 tons, Captain Peldec, was on the beach hard and fast. The harbour tug Pilot -was quickly on the scene, but on account of the rough weather could not render any assistance. The Magic had completed discharge of her timber at Miramar Wharf, and at about 5.30 p.m. cast-off, with the object of proceeding to the King's Wharf to take in cargo for Nelson. She was being propelled by her two 30-horse-power oil engines, and at the outset appeared to be making good headway against hoavy weather.' The wind was blowing half a gale from the northwest, and the tide and sea were makSoon the Magic got into difficulties, and the elements proved too much for her. She commenced to drift towards the beach. Shortly after 6 p.m. she struck the end of Shag Point, and her bow slewed round, and pointed up the beach. _ There she remained hard and fast in blinding rain squalls. As the tide rose the disabled vessel commenced to bump heavily further up on to the beach. A thorough examination was made, and it was found that she was making no water, and as far as could be ascertained the hull was intact. Mr. J. Campbell, her owner, communicated with Captain Dawson, and the latter was of the opinion that the weather was too bad last night to attempt to tow her off._ The crew were quite safe nnd as it was considered that no harm could come to the Magic, it was decided to leave her where she is till high tide this morning, when tugs will endeavour to tow her off. The Magic is insured with the South British Insurance Company.