The Hurricane at New Caledonia.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9028, 28 March 1898, Page 4

The Hurricane at New Caledonia.

WRECK OF THE FALLS OF GARRY.

The four-masted iron barque Falls of Garry, a ve33el ot 2000 tous, was wrecked in Noumea harbour dining the recent hurricane. The vessel left Sydney on January 14, and made the passage to the New Caledonian port in 15 day6,|\vhere she commenced loading nickel ore for Havre. She had about 1000 tons of ore on board when the hurricane struck the port, and the vessel, after resisting it for some hours, began to drift towards the shore, one of the anchors having parted about 6 p m., and the ship was driven on to a reef an hour later, and here the crew had an awful time. They statei that the ship was all awash, and the whole of the ship's company had to take to the rigging for safety, where they remained 'for several hours. Tremendous seas were rolling on board, and rain was falling in torrents. Three of the lifeboats were carried away, and the fourth, which was the only one left, was partly damaged. All nioveables were washed overboard, and everything made of iron was smashed. All doors were broken, and the cabins and saloon were completely wrecked. The gale raged until about 9 30 that night, when the wind suddenly ceased for a short time; then it veered round and began to blow heavily houi the eastward, which heeled the ship over to about 18 or 20 degrees to the star-. board side. Bluelights were sent up. but mo answer was made. At the Bfam of the Falls of Garry lights could

be seen, and in the morning it was ascertained that they were from the Danish barque Professor, which had been dismasted and driven on a reef. In the daytime the Danish barque Professor could be seen astern and another ship on the starboard side, which was found to be the ludore, She had been driven by the hurricane on to a sand bank from which she was blown off again, and then drifted with the current into smooth water, where she anchored. After the cyclone abated a small cutter passed close to the ship, but without taking any notice of her. At about sin the afternoon a boat was sent from the ship Indore. and the crew were taken en board that vessel, where they remained for two days before they were taken ashore by the nickel company's steamer. When the crew arrived on shore they found that the hurricane had done extensive damage, and only a few houses were left standing, and the mariners were compelled to sleep in the rain.

The Falls of Garry is a total wreck, and has several large holes in her bottom. The crew were able, after the pale abated, to save most of their • Tects.