The Jane Douglas

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 23, Issue 4, 16 January 1912, Page 7

The Jane Douglas

TURNED TURTLE IN SINKING Nelson, Jan. 13. The shipwrecked crew of the steamer Jane Douglas reached Nelson by the Pateena yesterday morning. Captain Vendor states that his vessel was beating through the Straits from Wellington to Hokitika in a blustering south-easter. The boisterous weather continued after the steamer had entered the passage between Stephens and D’Urville, Islands, where there are several rocks, and was piled up on Saddle Rock, where the Wainni struck some years ago. The captain declares that Steeple Rock and Saddle Rock are wrongly marked on the chart, the names being transposed. At midnight the vessel was steaming beneath heavy clouds, All hands were on deck. At 12.20 she struck, and sank in five minutes. Despite the black darkness, the crew 'showed no panic. The captain ordered the lowering of a boat, and the mate took charge, while the captain stayed aboard. The engines were racing furiously, telling of ~a snapped propeller. Rapidly the bull listed sideways and slid off the rocks. As the water came level with the deck, the captain grasped a lifebelt, but was sucked under for some depth. He came up half drowned, still clinging to the lifebelt, as he was unable to swim a stroke. After some search, the boat found him in rather a had way. The captain thinks the vessel turned turtle before reaching the bottom. The plight of the shipwrecked crew was hapless. Almost all were only half-clad; some were without boots, others without shirts or coats. A course was set in the boat for Port Hardy. A heavy sea soon tired the rowers, who took turns at the oars. It took four hours’ struggle to near the land. The men were unable to get ashore owing to the tub being against them. At 5 a.m,, however, they effected a landing. They tramped, mostly shoeless, over rough country to Lord’s homestead, where they received every kindness. Here they stayed till 3 o’clock in the afternoon resting, as the captain was far from well after his immersion. They then were taken on to the French Pass in a launch, joining the Pateena, and coming on here.