DANGERS OF THE SEA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13480, 20 July 1907, Page 7

DANGERS OF THE SEA.

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, July 19.

The cutter Flora, owned by J. J. Craig and engaged in conveying shingle from Waiheke to Auckland, sank on a sandspit at Devonport early this morning. About 3.15 a.m., Constable Berry and Night Watchman Hamilton heard shrieks cdming from the harbour. It was blowing a hard north-easterly gale at' the time, with fierce squalls, and the sea was so heavy that it was impossible to launch a boat to render assistance. The cries continued till 3.35, when they suddenly ceased. An hour later, the steamer Rum, over from Auckland, steamed in the direction whence the cries came, and it was found that the topmast of the cutter was above water, but there was no sign of the crew, who had been washed away when the cutter sank. • x

She went down in over 20 feet depth of water; had she been 100 yards further in she would have grounded with her deck above water, and the crew would have been perfectly safe.

Michael Sulivan was in charge of the cutter and was assisted by Thomas Clarke and another casual hand.