THE LOSS OF THE BRIG STAR OF THE MERSEY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 1763, 25 June 1877, Page 5

THE LOSS OF THE BRIG STAR OF THE MERSEY.

SRFOBT OP THB CAPTAIN. The following is from tlie Press of Jane 21 The brig Star of the Mersey, 255 tons register, Captain John Studholose Hodgson owned by H Selwyn Smith, of Chris'church. bound from Port Lyttelton to Newcastle, left the heads at one o'clock on Sunday, 10th inst. About fifteen miles past Stephen's Island, the wind gradually hauled round to the N.W., *nd blow strong, accompanied by thick rain. Finding it was blowing too strong to weather Cape Farewell, stood to the northward at 8 p.m. At 3 a.m. on the 15th, the ihip was under two lower topsails, plunging into a very heavy head sea, and laboring heavily ; it was therefore deemed necessary to run for shelter to Guard's Buy, the glass being very low, ard fall ing. Pasted the Chetwoodi at 4 p.m. same day, the wind coming m from the westward, 'When abreast of Motongara the wind lightened, and shifted to the south-west. Kept away m order to stay the Teasel, so as to stand over to the Chetwoods. While the ship was m stays the wind followed her rouud, and she fell off again, the ebb tide setting her down towards the Island ; had no room to wear the (hip, and she would not »tay, the only alternative being to anchor, which was done directly bottom could be found with the hand lead ; the first bottom was found m ten fathoms, and the anchor was immediately let go. Got out the boat, kedge, and lines ready for warping her out, -when the tide turned, but the wind increased so much it was deemed useless to attempt it, to she was allowed to hang with thirty fathoms of chain, hoping that before morning the wind wonld abate, but it increased steadily all nignt until 3 a.m. next day, the 16th inst., when it blew a itrong gale from the N.W. ; let go the second anchor and gare her 45 fathoms on one and 30 on the other. At 6 a.m. it was blowing so heavy, with teirifio squalls, that 60 fathoms of chain were payed out, and a new coil spring was put on the port chain and secured to the bitts and mainmast, ihe ship at this lime plunging into the sea had dragged within six fathoms of the rocks. The longboat was .then got out m case of life being m danger, it still blowing terrifically, with squalls of rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning. About 9 a.m. the crew, numbering nine, came aft and aske<l pwrmisdob lc jwok up their clothes and get

them on deck, as they expected the ship would have to be abandoned. At 10 a.m. the gale was still raging furiously, when the crew came aft and stated that they considered their lives m danger by stopping by the vetsel any longer. Con«ulted with Hugh Thomas, chief officer, and Wm. Gorman, boati wain, and they likewise being of the same opinions, thought it necessary to leave the ship, when all hands were ordered into the bouts, the captain and seven men taking the longboat and chief officer m the gig. Blade for Teteranga, and intended going to the ship again if she rode out the . gale. On the way we aighfcd the steamer Murray coining for shelter, bound from Wellington to Nelson ; hailed lier and went on board and »aw Captain Conway. Related to him the position of the vessel, and agreed with him to »top by the ship for 24 hours. Made two unsuccessful attempts to get alonside with the steam**, but it was found it would be only endangering the lives of all on board, to make any further attempt until the gale abated. Anchored m shelter on Guard's Bank, expecting to get the vessel off next morning (Sunday) ; but towards 11 p.m. on Saturday, the gale increased to a hurricane, with very heavy tea, and when morning broke not a sign of the brig could be seen. Steamed towards the island, but could not see a vestige of her, and it was erident she must hare parted her chains and capsized. The brig was last s^en at 10 o'clock on Saturday night, tailing right on to the rocks, the wind being N.W. and W.N.W. t.ll night. The Murray then proceeded on her voyage to Nelson, as Captain Conway considered it useless stopping any longer. All that was saved belonging to the ship was two boats, and the captain succeeded m saving his chronometer and a suit of clothes.