THE KING’S PERIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 115, 25 May 1901, Page 2

THE KING’S PERIL.

SERICUS ACCIDENT TO A YACHT. By Telegraph-Press Association— Copyright London, May 23. During the trials of the yachts Shamrock I. and Shamrock 11. (the past and present challengers for the America Cup), in tho Solent, a squall carried away the sails aud spars of tho Shamrock 11. Tho mast fell away. His Majesty King Edward VII., who was aboard, was unhurt. Details of tho accident show that tho King and Sir Thomas Lipton, owner of the yacht, were seated on deck close to the companion-way, when the heavy mast fell into the sea. His Majesty was taken aboard Sir Thomas Lipton’s tug Erin, and was lauded at Southampton.

FURTHER DETAILS. GREAT EXCITEMENT. SHAMROCK 11. A COMPLETE WRECK. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 23, 4.25 p.m.) London, May 23. The yachts Shamrock wore about to start a trial on the Sclent when a sudden heavy squall struck tho vessels. Tho topmast of the Shamrock 11. buckled, the bowsprit snapped, aud the mast, weighing two tons, fell overboard, leaving tho vessel a total wreck. Two of H.M. destroyors and tho tug Erin, hurriedly stoamqd to tho roscuo. The captain of the wracked yacht shouted, li No one is hurt.” There was tremendous excitement at Southampton and London whon the nows became known. His Majesty the King, who was aboard the Shamrock 11., was not injured in any way. (Received May 24, 12.4 p.m.)

Both the yacht Shamrock and tho yacht Sybariba were manoeuvring for a start. Thero was a twelve-knots breeze blowing. The Shamrock 11. was close-hauled. Coming round on the starboard tack a heavy easterly squall caught her abeam, heeling her over. The bobstay plato of tho shroud fastening gavo way. Then tho bowsprit next to the hoist collapsed. Then the mast broke, first at tho heel of tho topmast and afterwards three foot abovo the deck, making the yacht a wrock. She foil to leeward. The broken mast doubled under the ship, and touching bottom held her fast until a rivetter fetched from Cowes cut away tho broken mast, allowing it and the gear and sails to sink. The mainboom and staysail alono were saved.

THE CAPTAIN’S ADVICE DISREGARDED. MAN CARRIED OVERBOARD. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright . London, May 23. Tho canvas on the Shamrock 11. was a hundred and fifty feet high. Just before rounding the point tho captain proposed to shorten sail, but was overruled. The weakness of the bowsprit rigging caused tho collapse. Surprise was expressed that the fragile hull was able to resist tho pressure of the leverage. Several of the crow were carried overboard amid the cloud of canvas. Three men who were aloft shinned down at the moment of the accident.

The damago is four thousand pounds, Sir Thomas Liptou has asked for some

weeks’ postponement of tho race for the America Cup. Much sympathy is felt for him in America.

HEAVY BLOCK FALLS BETWEEN TWO LADIES. COOLNESS OF THE KING. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 9.16 p.m., May 24. London, May 23. Shamrock I. risked everything to got alongside her consort, but the gaff budded, and the topsail blow away, leaving her unable to assist Shamrock 11. The Sydarita’s dingy was the first boat alongside, the tug Erin and the destroyers meanwhile racing up to the rescue. His Majesty the King, Sir Thomas Lipton, Mr Watson, the designer of the yacht, the Marchioness of Londonderry, Mrs Derek Keppel, and Mrs Jamieson were seated on the weather side. They had a very narrow escape. The heavy block fell between the Marchioness and Mrs Jamieson.

His Majesty the King displayed great nerve during the ordeal. After lie had been re-assured that the ladies were safe, he lighted a cigar, went on the launch, and then examined the wreckage. The bursting bobstay fortunately gave warning of the danger. Had the accident oceurrod ton seconds later the boom would have been right aboard, and have fallen on the deck instead of clear of the ship. The King landed at Cowes and telegraphed to the Queen to let her know of the accident and his safety. He afterwards dined aboard the tug Erin. He returned to London in the evening.

NEW ZEALAND'S CONGRATULATIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night. The Deputy-Governor has sent a cable to the Secretary of State for tho Colonies, offering congratulations on behalf of the people of New Zealand to His Majesty the King on his providential escape.