VESSEL’S ROUGH TRIP

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160739, 27 August 1920, Page 11

VESSEL’S ROUGH TRIP

GALE OX EAST COAST. HER SAILS BLOWN AWAY. SCHOONER IN DIFFICULTIES. AUCKLAND, August 25. Stormy weather was experienced by the auxiliary schooner Fairburn, which arrived from East Coast bays yesterday. She loaded cargo at Auckland for Dick’s Bay, and arrived at her destination early last week. Owing- to an easterly gale the vessel was unable to complete the discharge of her cargo, the was compelled ou two occasions to leave the Bay to avoid being driven ashore. The weather was so severe last Thursday night that the vessel had. to slip her anchor, together with about 30 fathoms of cable, and put to sea. The wind blow with almost hurricane force, and before the sails could be lowered they were blown away. Heavy seas broke on board, completely flooding the deck-houses and cabins. The gale increased in strength as the night wore on, and it was necessary to “heave to” until Friday. The weather moderated on Saturday morning, and the vessel was enabled to make her way to Auckland.