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White Wings Vol I. Fifty Years Of Sail In The New Zealand Trade, 1850 TO 1900

"She's Gone!"

"She's Gone!"

The harbourmaster (Capt. Mills) disapproved of the action of the captain and crew in abandoning the City of Perth while she still held by a hawser, and the sea showing signs of abating, he got out a whale-boat and a crew, and put off to her. Captain McDonald, of the Ben Venue, in the ship's gig, followed by yet a third boat, also put out. They reached the vessel in safety, but had hardly got on board when a cry was raised, "She's gone!" The thin hawser had snapped, and swinging round she drifted right on to the shore, to the horror of the on-lookers. The boats then put off from the vessel, and approached the line of breakers, which were rolling like mountains, white with foam, and anxious hearts beat high. The two foremost boats succeeded in gaining the shelter of the breakwater, but the gig was caught by the current, and it was soon seen that she must be swamped. Two white-crested rollers swept down upon her. The next moment she was lost to view, and her crew were seen struggling in the breakers.