AN EVENTFUL VOYAGE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 624, 18 January 1884, Page 6

AN EVENTFUL VOYAGE.

The barque Eden, which sailed from Mauritius on 20th November, and arrived in Hobson Bay on Monday, has to record an I unusually stormy passage. During the first two days of her voyage the vessel encountered moderate trade winds, which were followed by' calms and light breezes until she reached 39.35 south, 66.30 east. Frequent gales from the N.E. to S.W. were then experienced, the barometer j ranging all the while from 29 40 to 29.60. This state of things continued until 19th December, when the barometer fell to 28 65, and there was every indication of a terrific storm. At 4 o’clock in the afternoon of the same day s gale from the west set in with the utmost fury, and 1 the vessel was forced to heaveto under main topsail and storm staysails, heavy cross seas flooding the decks at short intervals. The wind then shifted intb the south-west and blew a hurricane. The hatches were repeatedly under water, and the main topsail sheet had to be let go in order to save the ship and cargo. So bad was the weather that the men were unable to go aloft, and the sail was blown to shreds in ian ■ instant. Shortly after half-past 9 p.m. all hands were mustered aft, and a consultation ’ between the captain and crew took place. It was decided either to cut away the masts or abandon a portion of the cargo. The latter course was resolved upon, and by half-past 2 a.m. on the 20th about 25 tons had been thrown over the side. The vessel then began to ride more easily, and the jettisoning o£ the cargo was at once stopped, so that the men were able to go to the pumps, as the ship was making a great deal of water. A great portion of the bulwarks was washed away, the rails were started, the stanchions strained, and the upper covers stripped off the hatches. The storm then gradually abated, and the vessel continued her voyage, experiencing during the remainder of the passage strong S. W. winds.