CHARLESTON
time will be lost in getting her repaired. The contract was ₤110.”
1st January, 1868.—The schooner Ada was damaged on the rocks at the centre of the bay.
16th January, 1868.—The schooner Fancy narrowly escaped being wrecked. Notwithstanding the danger-signal, and without aid of a surf-boat, she tried to cross the bar which was very rough. Having been thrown on the rocks, she would have been totally lost but for the Harbourmaster and staff getting lines aboard her, and dragging her stern first into the bay. This vessel was wrecked at D’Urville Island during the same year.
5th April, 1868.—The schooners Fairy and Fancy collided owing to a heavy sea running into the bay. The Fancy was severely damaged.
24th April, 1868.—Surf-boats. The steamer John Penn lay off the bay, with passengers for Charleston aboard. There was a heavy sea. Two surf-boats attempted to tender her, but she did not wait for them. One of the boats, owned by Charles Craddock & Co., on her return journey was capsized and her crew of four were thrown into the water. All were saved, but Craddock was severely injured while in the water, and was saved by the Harbourmaster, Captain Beveridge, at much risk to himself. The other boat, the Mary Jane, owned by the The Charleston Surf Boat Company, was also caught by two blind rollers, but although badly buffeted suffered no material damage. It was a narrow escape for both.
24th May, 1868.—The schooner Fairy had a narrow escape when entering the bay. There was a very rough sea outside, with large combers breaking savagely across the bar. Nevertheless, the Harbourmaster gave the signal to come in. While doing so the vessel was struck by heavy seas which carried away her rudder, and she was thrown on the rocks. Then “a big wave came thundering in, lifted her stern high in the air, and landed her in comparatively smooth water, where the surf-boats managed to moor her.” It took several days to repair her.
24th May, 1868.—The cutter Flora McDonald had a
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