STRANDING OF THE BRIG MONTEZUMA.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 14, 26 December 1862, Page 2

STRANDING OF THE BRIG MONTEZUMA.

The Montezuma, from Dunedin, Capt. M'lntyre, laden with timber, consigned to Messrs. Dalgety, Rattrny and Co , passed Bluff Harbor on Monday afternoon. A strong N.W. wind blowing, the captain bore up twice for Stewart's Island. On crossing the straits the second time the wind came more from the westward, and the captain ran for Nev/ River Heads, crossing the bar about noon on Tuesday, a heavy gale Wowing at the time. The pilot hoat attempted to put off to the vessel, but, in consequence of the heavy surf and the shortness of hands, she was swamped twice, and it. was not til! the ihird attempt that the crew succeeded in launching her. All this time the vessel was running in, and, before the pilot could board, the captain was obliged to bring his ship to, and let go his anchor on the weather shore. All hands were aloft but one, who was engaged paying out cable, which run so fast that he could not stop it. In consequence, the chain ran to its extreme length, and, bringing the ship up suddenly, parted. The second anchor was then let go, but, owing to the. strength of the gale, it did not hold, and the vessel drove on shore a little above the Maori village. On her heel taking the ground the captain slacked away chain to allow her head to pay round, as. she was drawing eighteen inches more water aft than forward, to prevent her laying broadside on. If the high tides continue a little longer, and the vessel is prevented from drifting on the beach by a good anchor and chain, she will possibly be got off, as she has not sustained much injury. Shortly nf'ttr this occurrence took place, Mr. Fielder, the Inspector of Sheep, who was on his rend to the Bluff, kindly volunteered to retrace his steps to Invercargill, nnd give information of the disaster. The r.ext morning Captain Morris, Harbor Master, and Mr. Stevens, manager for l')al»ety, Rattrny & Co., proceeded to the scene of the accident.

Since writing the above, we have been given lc understand that Captain Morris, directly on seeing the position of the vessel, gave an order for 00 fathoms of chain, and Captain Hughes, of the Australia, and Captain Giieve, of the Vixen, have since offered to lend anchors, which will be forwarded to the Ivlontezuma immediately.