WRECK OF A KETCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20365, 20 September 1929, Page 13

WRECK OF A KETCH.

AN ALARMING CRASH.

END OF PROSPECTING VENTURE.

Bound from Sydney to Derby, Western Australia, to investigate tho iron ore doposits on the north-west coast of Australia for the Australian Iron and Steel Company, owners of tho Port Kembla steolworks, the auxiliary ketch Acielle, 40 tons, was driven ashore on tho north coast of New South Walc3 lato on tho afternoon of Soptomber 11, and is likoly to become a total wreck. Captain Ken. Smith, the master, the crew of four, and Mr. B. Crago, a civil engineer and representative of the owners, scrambled to safety through the giant rollers, and reached Kempsey. They reported that tho Acielle was overtaken by tho south-easterly gale, and a vain endeavour was made to reach Trial Bay for shelter. Tho terrifio seas and violent wind, however, took charge of the tiny vessel, and carried her ashore 15 miles south of Smoky Cape lighthouse. The ketch hit a sandy beach with an alarming crash.

It was intended to sail round North Australia to tho west const in easy stages. Apparently the ketch is identical with tho vessel reported by the keepers of thft Point Stephens lighthouse to have dropped anchor in the narrows between Point Stephens and tho ontranco to tho port shortly before noon on September 10. The weather at that time was rapidly becoming worso, and heavy rain set in. Half an hour later the -ketch was not to be seen, and it was believed that she had gone into Nelson's Bay. A subsequent examination of the port showed that this was not so. Built of wood, the Aciclle was launched in Tasmania, and on arrival in Sydney was bought by tho lato Mr. Lebbeus Hordern, and ufeed as a parent ship for his seaplane. Aftor he sold her she passed through the hands of soveral people. For soveral months she lay in Broken Bay, and was used as a pleasure yacht. Ro' cently a syndicate headed by Mr. L. Littlechild, of Rushcutter Bay, sold the Acielle to the Australian Iron and Steel Company, and she was refitted for the cruise to the north-west coast. The Acielle was valued at £2500, and was insured.