CONSTANT BAY
severe bumping on the beach and had to be detained for repairs.
12th July, 1868.—The cutter Harry Bluff, owned by Captain Frederick Jackson and Charles Craddock, broke her moorings in a heavy swell, got broadside on, was badly bilged, and buried up to her deck in sand. She was dug out and repaired. This was a severe gale during which the Signal-station on Flagstaff Hill was shifted a distance of six feet by the wind, and almost miraculously escaped falling into the harbour. Fortunately the Harbourmaster was away from the cottage at the time. As before stated, this vessel was later, 2nd October, 1869, totally wrecked on Constant Bay bar.
30th October, 1868.—The schooner Ann left the bay for Greymouth but, when outside, sprang a leak and ran for the Buller where she was beached to save foundering. She was there for three days before being got off.
1st January, 1869.—The Westport Times recorded: “The ketch Constant had another adventurous trip. She left Charleston on Christmas evening after having a very severe knocking about on the rocks and beach there. After getting to sea her rudder-head carried away and she was found to be in a leaking condition.” She could not attempt to cross the Buller bar, so had to “run for it,” fortunately reaching shelter about 25 miles from Nelson.
3rd August, 1869.—The Mary Jane, Mavis, and Constant had a bad buffeting. A newspaper states: “A very heavy surf caused commotion in the bay, causing three vessels to part their moorings, and driving the Mary Jane on to the rocks, where she carried away her sternpost and rudder. The Mavis lost her rudder and was severely bumped on the beach. The Constant escaped injury but was sent well up on the beach.”
15th October, 1869.—One of the surf-boats, engaged in tendering a large steamer lying outside, capsized while entering the bay. Those in the boat were George Hughes, Robert Hughes, Charles Smith, Robert C. Ferguson, and Henry Tyson. Tyson was drowned and his body was not recovered until a fortnight later. In the boat that went to her assistance were Charles Craddock, John McHerron, Alfred Leggatt, George Edwards and J. Pascoe. This was
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