LOSS OF THE SCHOONER ARTHUR WAKEFIELD.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1015, 22 July 1879, Page 2

LOSS OF THE SCHOONER ARTHUR WAKEFIELD.

In ew Plymouth, July 21. The following particulars are given by Captain Andrews as to the foundering cf the schooner Arthur Wakefield :—She left Lyttelton on Thursday last, and 'made Cape Egmont between 11 and 12 o'clock on Friday night, when the wind lulled, but a heavy sea was running. On Saturday, when the mate tried the pumps, ho found an unusual quantity of water in the hold. The captain then went forward, and found six inches of water there. The

buckets as well as pumps were then used in an endeavor to keep the vessel clear but it was of no avail, and her course was then shaped for Wanganui, with the wind west. When off Opunake, she showed signs of settling down. At 8.25 p. m., tho captain ga,ve orders to launch tho boat, but owing to the heavy sea this was a matter of much difficulty, and it was doubtful if a small boat could live. However, the boat was launched safely, and had scarcely cleared the ship when the vessel foundered, going down head first. Nothing was saved beyond the ship's register. The crew had but scanty clothing, most of-them being in shirts and trousers. ■The captain ordered the boat to be headed for Opuna,ke, but on reaching there, it was found impossible to land owing to tho heavy sea, and they consequently stood out to sea. working at tho oars all night, while some were engaged in bailing out the boat. At daybreak, the captain determined to make for New Plymouth, and during the whole of Sunday they struggled without food or water. They reached New Plymouth at dark, and when entering the surf the boat was capsized and the occupants thrown out. One seaman obtained possession of a life-buoy, whilo the others struck out for the shore, which they reached safely but much exhausted, and their legs cramped from having sat in the boat for twenty-four hours. However, they managed to reaelt Brougham-street, [whore they were taken to the Imperial Hotel and were well: cared for. The captain can give no reason, for the disaster. The Arthur Wakefield was built at Auckland by Mr. John Burroll in 1573 to the order of John Cross, of Nelson,'her present owner. She was. insured for about LtiOO, and her cargo of wheat, which was consigned to Messrs. Webster Bros., was insured for L 700., The captain and. crew have lost every tiling they possessed.