THE WRECK OF THE WILLIAM ACKERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4629, 16 December 1876, Page 2

THE WRECK OF THE WILLIAM ACKERS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

IvvEECAEGiLL, December 15th.. The correspondent of the Southland News reports under date December 13th: —

The misfortune I telegraphed you concerning tbe barque William Ackers is increased, inasmuch as eight unfortunate individuals lost their lives, instead of seven, as 1 then reported. It appears that after leaving the Bluff the vessel met a head wind, against which she was beating when passing this port on Monday, and which continued till midnight of the 11th, when she was felt to touch the reef at Waipapapa. In trying to bring round she missed stays and drifted right on, the sea breaking ten feet over her. The lifeboat was launched, but no sooner was she in the water and the cook stowed in her than a sea struck her, causing her to roll so much that she became completely crushed. The barque was heavily laden for Lyttelton—including- a heavy deck-load, which by this time came adrift and caused muoh confusion and injury to life and limb. Several of the men, seeing the planks ad) ift and floating, got astride of them and drifted away to perish. The last seen of the captain was about this time. He is believed to have had an arm broken. All cure has beeu taken of the three survivors by the kind - hearted miners of Waipapapa, who are mostly men who have had experience as seamen. They deserve credit for their humanity. Those saved are the first mate, au A.B. seaman, and Captain Josp, a passenger, whose family reside at the Bluff. They had to swim ashore on Tuesday morning, the barque having drifted within 200 yards of the land. They were in a very exhausted state. There has been a heavy swell on ever since she struck, and Bhe has become a tetal wreck; in fact, nothing can be

seen of her at high water. Timber is lying in heaps on the beach; interior fittings, trunks,; broken spars, yards, &c, are lying in all direct tions at high water mark. This evening the: last things seen coming ashore were some sails, rigging, &c, which will behigh. andvdry this tide. ' All hands here have been alonjj the beach,' making diligent search for the bodies of the unfortunates missing, but not one has been found. Great excitement is felt in the district, and a universal feeling of sorrow for the unfortunates. Several have been down to-day, any assistance that might be required. The following are the names of the saved from the wreck of the William Ackers:— Captain Joss (a passenger), Cankey (mate), Ridly (seamen). Part of the cargo is insured in the Standard for LSOO.