THE BRIG RIO GRANDE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10392, 9 May 1927, Page 11 (Supplement)

THE BRIG RIO GRANDE

I EXCITING INCIDENT IN 1884. j Thus the “Telephone” of May 1, TBB4, in recording the stranding at Gisborne of tlie brig Rio Grande, 200 tons, of Newcastle, said to have been i worth £I6OO. j “During the heavy weather which I set in on Wednesday flight from the ! south and east the Rio Grande parted from one of her cables and commenced driving rapidly towards tlie shore. Seeing tlie imminent danger in which tlie brig was placed Mr. H. E. Johnstone despatched the steamer Rosina to her aid, but on arriving alongside,.the captain of tlie brig declined the proffered help, saving that lie could hold on by liis other anchor. The Rosina accordingly left him to his own resources. During the whole of the day the brig continued to drag and by 4 o’clock, the tide being out, and having got into the inner breakers, she began to strike. The strong flood, assisted by heavy squalls and a high sea, soon had the effect of beaching her and when the morning broke, she was to be seen lying on” her beam ends on the papa rocks which flank the southern end of the bar, with the sea making a clean breach over her. Early in the morning the Rosina again got up steam to go out, but it was found too rough ‘ for her to render any help. The

lifeboat went out about 8 o'clock and brought the. crew safely to land. Iff the captain could have -managed to bring the vessel further along the beach into the. sandy .part 'it might be easy to get her off, as in the case of the Locbnagar, which was a ranch ' smaller vessel, and others that have j been similarly situated. There are I IGS tons of coal still in her for Mr. { Johnston but,this will not, be lost, as at low water she will be almost; high" and dry and the coal can be easily got at; Tt is a somewhat strange fact that notwithstanding that the ivessel was dragging all day .no attempt was made bv those on board to send down topgallnntynrds or ipasty.. /If ;thi? had been done it must ; rli.ayo:- ' increased the vessel’s chances.” > ■ i