A UNIQUE TOW.

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 1, 1 July 1922, Page 12

A UNIQUE TOW.

The rescuinff of the steamer Eayford by an army of unemployed' men provided a thrilling- scene at Pfeterhead. South Harbpur. A fierce south-easterly gale was raging, and the Rayford was ttyin.fr' to enter the harbour for shelter when she was struck by a mountainous wave which nuns* heir bows against the lighthouse pier. Another'wave caught her stern and swung her on to submerged rocks. ■" The,stern was buniped: on the rocks, the propeller was smashed, and the rudder knocked upwards, loosening the platforrii of the- capstan. The harbourmaster was prompt in taking .action. 'Calling' Upon .a body of over '200' unemployed who had cdmo to the harbour in search of work to follow him. he ran ou to the-roeke and secured a wire hawser from thb steamer.. This he 'got round a bollard, and, with the whole crfawd straihihfr on the rope, the Rayford was pulled, inch by inch, from her perilous position. The Rayford had had a terrible buffeting, before she ran for the harbour. She left Gravesend for' Peterhead with a cargo of cement, and when off, Crossands Lightship encountered a stiff easterly gale. Heavy beam seas were shipped, tHe bridgo rails were bent, the eugind-rooih telegraph torn from its screws, the upper bridge bimiacle broko loose, and tho' ha.teh tarpaulins were ripped to tatters. Captain Allison was struck Topeatedly by _ the flying debijid ajid rendered unconscious;, three of tho crew were injured getting him below.