WRECK OF THE BRIG CRAIGELLACHIE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 1919, 24 December 1877, Page 3

WRECK OF THE BRIG CRAIGELLACHIE.

Last Saturday morning about 7 o'clock the brig Craig Ellachie came ashore on the rocky beach, a short distance to the north of the Government Lauding Service, and there appears to be no possibility of saving her I from becoming a total wreck. She was riding m Bafety at anchor m the roadstead, until about 5.15 o'clock that morning, when she paited one of her cables, und commenced to drift towards the shore. As quick as possible the second anchor was dropped, and that held her for about three-quarters of an hour ; but the chain eventually parted, and she was consequently rendered quite helpless, and her journey towards the shore was rapid. Cuptaiu Hills, very fortunately, noticed the first cable parling, and seeing the danger m which the vessel stood, about 5.45 ho fired the signal gun, and m a few minutes after the Rocket Brigade assembled with commendable promptitude, together with a large number of people who were aroused by the report of the gun. The vessel touched the shore about 7.10, and a rocket having been fired, communication tvug immediately effected with her, and all the crew were safely landed. The vessel was then made fast to the shore and abandoned, and. she now lies high, and dry on the beach. The Craig Ji'llachie was a wooden vessel of 226 tons register, and at the time of her disaster was under the command of Captain Meredith. Sho was built m Sundcrland m 1862, and was therefore about 15 years old. About two years ago she was purchased by Messrs E. and J. Smilhjjcoal merchants, of.tb.i9 town, for whom she has been trading, principally to Newcastle, since. Sho was a very good sailer, having made her last passage from Newcastle m 13 dnys, and had also great carrying capacity, from 360 to 380 tons of coal being her usual cargo. Much sympathy is felt for Messrs Smith, as, though she is insured to some extent, they lose considerably by her. She was insured for £1000 m tho New Zealand Insurance Company, and for £300 m the Union. Her cargo was also insured for £300 m the Victorian Insurance Company's office, but only about 100 tons of cool remain now on board. The same afternoon's tide brought her broadside on to the shore, and many thought her position was improved and hopes that she might yet be saved were entertained. Yesterday, however, it was discovered that almost all her keel was smashed, while m several parts of her bottom she was letting water m and out freely. There is not now the slightest possibility of saving her, but as she is lying on a snndy bed, it is probable she will not break up for some time. On Saturday afternoon, by the last train, Captain Dunsford arrived from Christchurch, and he, with. Captain Cain, took possession of her on behalf of the underwriters, and it is probably that she will be offered for sale either to-day or next Thursday. An investigation into the cause of the disaster will be held m [tko Custom-house at 11 o'clock thiß morning. THE SCHOONEE KATE MACGBEGOE. This vessel also experienced tho full force of the fierce sea which was rolling m on; Saturday, and so far aB we can learn she had a narrow escape from meeting the same fate as the Craig Ellacbie. On Saturday night, about 9.30 o'clock, after baring stood bravely through it all day, one of her cables parted, and the signal of distress was at once hoisted. Captain Mills, the Harbormaster, was on the alert as usual, and noticing thp signal, about 10 o'clock fired the signal gun, and m a few minutes after the Volunteer Rocket Brigade were again at his side, ready for action. No immediate danger, however, being observable, two or three men were appointed to keep a look-out during the night, and the Brigade separated, and we are glad to state their services have not been called into requisition since. Yesterday & cask came ashore addressed to Captain Morgan, the master of the Kate Macgregor — who had come'ashore previous to the rising of the storm and was not able to return — which on being opened was found to contain a letter from hiß mate, stating that as one of her anchors had gone he would take the vesiel to sea m the event of her losing the other, or, failing that, he wished that a light should be placed on the safest part of the beach, so that he might try and save her from being injured. "These laudable precautions, however, proved unnecessary, as towards midnight on Saturday the weather moderated, and yesterday the sea waa tolerably calm, and now there appears no immediate danger of a recurrence of the »torm. The Annie £owe was the only other vei*el m port, but she rode out the storm m splendid style, and does not seem to hare. KBYed an inch daring the whole time.