TOLL OF THE SEA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3034, 8 May 1912, Page 34

TOLL OF THE SEA.

AMERICAN SCHOONER WRECKED. AUCKLAND, May 3. The Talune, which arrived at Auckland to-day from the Islands, brought news of the wreck of the American three-masted schooner G. W. Watson on a reef at Raiatea, in the Society Group, on April 5. The schooner hatl completed discharging a cargo of lumber from Fuget Sound, and was proceeding to sea under the charge of a pilot when she struck a reef in the channel. She remained hard and fast for several hours, but was eventually floated off, and proceeded on her voyage to San Francisco. The vessel had barely cleared the island when it was discovered that she was fast making water. The pumps were manned, and an endeavour was made to keep the water under. After manoeuvring about for some time the captain decided to return to Raiatea, and the vessel was headed for the north-west passage. It was while attempting to negotiate this passage that she came to her end. By that time the water had gained considerably, and on the wells being again sounded it was found that lift of water was in her hold. The ship became unmanageable, and she struck the reef about seven miles before reaching the passage.

She then settled on the reef, and soon became a total wreck. When the TaJune passed the spot on April 18 only the fore part of the vessel was visible. The wreck was subsequently purchased by the natives for a small sum. The captain, his wife, and the crew, numbering seven, reached the shore, and they proceeded by the Talune to Earotonga, where they joined the mail steamer Aorangi for San Prancisco.