A Miraculous Escape.
EXPERIENCES OF THE SAUCY KATE. In reference to the trip of the Saucy Kite (now in Gisborne harbor) on her voyage from Auckland to Greymouth, the Captain states he had fine weather all the way down until crossing Cook Straits. Then had northerly fair winds up, till they got abreast of Greymouth, when they encountered a hard westerly gale, which compelled them to reef her down and heave to. Next day, on finding themselves so close to the coast, it being thick weather with a heavy gale and exceptionally high sea, they decided to rqo for the bar. We (said out informant) commenced to run for the bar about noon, with the whole fore sail and jibs ; just in ths break the jaws of tho gaff carried away, when we bad to round her to the wind, and repair tbe gaff, which was done in quick time. We were fair ou the bar at half past three. There was a very heavy break on the bar, but by using oil freely we managed to get into smooth water without shipping any seas. After getting between tbe Peer Heads we set everything, although it was blowing a heavy gale. We were forced to set all canvas to stem the heavy fresh which was running down the river. The people ashore threw us a small line, which wa replaced by a larger one, when about three or four hundred ot the residents, amid great excitement, hauled on ths lins and assisted us up the river, and we were safely made fast at the wharf at S p.m. Everbody that prof rased to be a seaman clambered on board, and helped to make tba sails and ship fast. When the schooner was fast they gave the crew three hearty' cheers, It was often remarked when the sohooner was in the trough of the sea that the masts were not visible, and the people on shore, wild with excitement, shouted out several times that she had gone. Great credit is due to the mate (the captain’s eon) for his good leseunsbip in steering the schooner safely into the river. Never before has there been a vesta] cross the Greymouth bar in such weather,
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 601, 30 April 1891, Page 2
Word Count
372A Miraculous Escape. Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 601, 30 April 1891, Page 2
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