Shipwrecks & Rescues

Between 1856 and 1885 an average of about one ship per year was wrecked on the northern or southern sand spit, and many lives were lost. The ever shifting sand shoals at the river’s mouth, abnormal tides and unfavourable winds caused ships to wait for months at a time, before their skippers attempted a crossing.

For a full description of the nature of the river entrance please read The Bar, the Breakwall & the Canal.

According to Mr. J.G. Snow, the following shipwrecks occurred on the Richmond bar during the early years of settlement:
1856—“Frolic” became total wreck on north spit;
1857—“Spit Fire”, “Australian League” total wreck, north spit;
1865—Schooner “Ranger” total wreck north spit;
Schooner “Alexander” grounded on south spit, then wrecked on north spit;
Schooner “Josephine” wrecked on south spit;
1866—Schooner “Petrel” unshipped rudder on bar, total wreck;
Ketch “Falcon” trying to get out, total wreck on south spit.
1869—Barque “Dragon” and “Suzannah Booth”;
1870—“Uncle Tom”;

ss lismore
s.s. Lismore

1871—Schooner “Walrus” total wreck, north spit;
Barque “Fox” total wreck, north spit;
“Sylvanus”, total wreck north head;
Brigantine “Callander” wrecked on north head;
Brigantine “Sarah Ann” wrecked on north head;
“John Bullock” wrecked on north head;
“Margaret and Mary” wrecked on south spit;
1872—S.S.“Waimia” total wreck, north head;
S.S. “Highlander” total wreck, north head;
S.S. “Culloden”, total wreck, north head;
1874—“Australia” total wreck, south spit;
1877—“Samuel Merrit”;
1879—Schooner “Tidal Wave” trading to Lismore for timber, wrecked on north spit;
1880—“Sisters” wrecked on north spit;
“Ocean Bride”;
1885—S.S. “Lismore” wrecked. (The “bones” of the SS. “Lismore” are still visible under Lighthouse Hill.)

17 lives lost – 1851

In 1851, one schooner only, the “Anna Maria” remained out of nine vessels which had put confidently to sea, fully laden with cedar. Concerning this horrifying toll of precious lives and valuable ships and cargo, Mr. Windsor Lang writes:

“In 1851, nine schooners, each fully laden with cedar, and awaiting the long-deferred time for departure, were conveniently anchored near the inner lip of the channel where it entered Mobbs’ Bay — approximately close to the spot later occupied by the crane-wharf used for the southern breakwater. Their respective skippers had long awaited the moment favourable for weighing anchor, and putting out to sea. Tension was broken, and all hearts were lightened when one beautifully clear and sunny morning heralded in a new spring day.

ss. Heroine
s.s. Heroine

The sky was practically cloudless. Scarcely a ripple disturbed the bar. A light breeze from the north-west was favourable for the outward passage. By 9.30 a.m. the ‘Bramble’, ‘Heroine’, ‘Lucy Ann’ and ‘Anna Maria’ had lifted anchor, cleared the bar and put out to sea.

The decks of the remaining five craft buzzed with activity. The skippers’ eagerness approximated impetuosity. Each schooner fouled the other in the twisting, fast running narrow channel, and became hopelessly entangled. Tempers were frayed, but actually, as events thickened, this mishap proved to be a blessing in disguise. The first four vessels were scarcely clear of the entrance when a singular looking cloud appeared from out of the west, in the track of a fast-freshening wind. It turned out to be the advance warming of a typhoon. With tropical rapidity it launched a terrific onslaught upon the bar. The ‘Bramble’, ‘Heroine’ and the ‘Lucy Ann’ were each overwhelmed with the first crash of the storm, and not seen again. They had foundered at once with all hands — one man excepted —  in full sight of the stirred-up settlement ashore. One man — the cook of the ‘Lucy Ann’ — who, by the way was accredited with being unable to swim — grabbed some floating wreckage, and, pushing clear of the overturned hulk, was picked up by those on the sadly-battered ‘Anna Maria’. In the course of a few hours the gale moderated, and eventually wore itself out, leaving the “Anna Maria” floating helplessly adrift. The westerly wind rendered it impossible for her to come in over the crossing, and her stripped condition militated against her continuing on her trip to Sydney.

Her master, Captain Harry Capps, anchored his crippled ship off the entrance. With calm skill, resource, and highly-commendable despatch, he contrived to make a jury mast from a derrick he had on board. To this he attached his spare canvas, and with this improvised rig he continued to Sydney, where he arrived six weeks later. Each of the lost vessels had carried 5 hands and a skipper, so that 17 lives were lost from that burst of fury.”

Source

The Tug Master

Captain Thomas Fenwick arrived in Ballina in 1874 to establish a tug-boat and towing service. He put many boats into service over the next 22 years. Some were river droghers, towing sailing ships up and down the river to load timber or taking cargo and passengers to the river towns. Others were utilised on the bar to tow boats safely through the channel or to rescue ships in distress.

Many of his own boats became victims of the treacherous Bar.
Atlantic, 1860, lost at sea 1876;
Alchymist, 1869, lost at sea 1878; (see Battle of the Bar)
J. and T. Fenwick, lost on the bar 1883;
Victoria, 1875;
Andrew Fenwick, 1875, lost on maiden voyage with no trace;
Francis Hixson, 1876, lost on the bar 1883;
Sarah L. Hixson, 1878;
William Langford, 1881, lost on the bar 1894;
Garnet, 1884;
Protector, 1884 lost on the bar 1894;
The Comet, 1883, lost on the bar 1889;
The Union, lost on the bar 1892;
Sir George;
Sarah Fenwick, 1891, lost on the bar 1900;
Emma Pyers, 1892;
Marion Fenwick, wrecked 1898;
Rescue, lost on the bar 1908;
Lady Franklin;

After his death in 1896, his sons continued the service.

Fenwick tug Rescue
Rescue

Platypus & Francis Hixson – 1883

Platypus
Francis Hixson
Francis Hixson

TWO STEAMERS IN DANGER. ALL HANDS SAFE.
Courtesy of Trove Evening News, Thursday 18 January 1883

The Clarence and Richmond River Company’s steamer Platypus and the Francis Hixson, Government chartered tug, are in great danger at Ballina. From information received by Captain Hixson it appears that yesterday afternoon the Platypus was being towed in on a flood tide when she took the ground on the south spit, where she remained until this morning, when the tide drove her farther in.

The passengers and mails were all safely landed before dark, but the crew remained on board until midnight, when all hands left her, not deeming it safe to remain. They returned to the vessel at day-light. She now lies end on to the sea on a point of the inner south spit, and the pilot cannot say yet what damage has been done. The sea was too heavy to get on board at daylight; but the pilot believes he will be able to report more fully this morning.
The Francis Hixson, steamer, also went ashore whilst attending on the Platypus and assisting to land the passengers, and the pilot is afraid she will become a total wreck. She struck on something, supposed to be her own anchor, and her fore compartment immediately filled, and she is partially sunk. Captain Fenwick, of the Francis Hixson, remained by her all night, and will do all that is possible to recover his steamer. The Francis Hixson is an iron paddle-tug steamer, length 114ft 7in, breadth 19ft 7in, depth of hold 10ft 1in, built at South Shields in 1876, and is now the property of Messrs. J. and T. Fenwick, of this city, and is chartered by them to the Government for pilot service at the Richmond River. The Platypus is a well-known trader hence to the Richmond River and is an iron twin-screw steamer of 50-horse power. Her length is 140ft 4in, breadth 23ft 8 in, depth 8ft 4in, and was built at Glasgow in 1864 for the Clarence and Richmond River Co. Both vessels are insured. Mr. G.R. Easton is the pilot at the Clarence River.

Chingtu – 1893

s.s. Chingtu

The steamer Chingtu bound for Sydney from China, broke her tail shaft in an easterly gale off Ballina. The anchors were dropped but failed to hold and she moved towards the North Head rocks helplessly, with total destruction of the vessel and subsequent loss of life threatened. Such was the force of the gale the Bar could not possibly be negotiated.  Captain Tom Fenwick decided to attempt a rescue with the tug Protector and such was the crew’s confidence in his judgment and ability that they readily volunteered to go with him. The necessary preparations were completed in three hours and casting off, they faced the gale. The crew were: Mr. B. Walton, engineer; John H. Thomas, Fireman; T. Tobiason, A.B., and W. Firth.

As they moved to the stricken vessel, Captain Tom stripped off his clothes and swam out with a line and when it was secured, they towed the vessel into a safe harbour at Byron Bay.
[a more descriptive essay from Windsor Lang in Sagas of the Early Days]

The following poem to honour him was written by Archibold Hunter of the Telegraph Station though there seems to be some confusion about the name of the rescuing tug’s name: —

TOM FENWICK AT THE WHEEL 

The storm clouds stream athwart the sky
From seaward to the land;
The ocean leaps with madd‘nin din
High on the yellow strand.

And battling with the shrieking gale
A noble ship drives fast;
The white sails from her mast are shred
Like sea-foam by the blast.

And must that wild and ruthless sea
Those gallant men entomb?
Is there no help can reach, and save
Them from so sad a doom?

With pitying glance we stood, and watched
The seamen have the lead;
While nearer draws the labouring barque
To wave-worn “Lennox Head”.

Out spoke an aged mariner,—
“God help them now,” I say.
The bravest heart in Ballina
Could scare give help today.

With anxious eye he cast his gaze
Across the wind-strewn strand;
“Hurrah!” he cried. “The Francis comes,
Tom Fenwick in command.”

No flinching there, though breakers roar.
He stands as true as steel.
The Francis bounds like living thing.
When Fenwick’s at the wheel.

High o’er the gale a gladdening cheer,
Rings out with royal peal;
“They’re saved, they’re saved, the Francis comes.
Tom Fenwick’s at the wheel.

And now she breasts the inner break,
Her crew so true and leal; 
They have no fear for well they know
Tom Fenwick’s at the wheel. 

The sea-wall strikes the struggling boat,
She quivers, stem to heel; 
Then dashes on with dauntless front,
Tom Fenwick at the wheel. 

Now, now her decks are hid in foam,
The mad sea makes her reel 
Yet seaward still she cleaves her way
Tom Fenwick at the wheel. 

And now she’s gained the open sea,
She nears the storm-tossed ship; 
Cheer up. brave men, (with Heaven’s help)
And they will save you yet. 

Heave, heave the line with trusty aim,
Men’s lives are in the cast; 
“Well done, bold hearts! we have it now.”
Comes hoarsely o’er the blast. 

The little barque is safe in port, 
All snug from truck to keel; 
Thank Him who watches up aloft, 
And Fenwick at the wheel.  

Captain Tom Fenwicks binoculars

Presentation to Captain Fenwick and Crew.

Courtesy of Trove Northern Star, Saturday 14 October 1893 (abridged)
A public meeting was held in the Gaiety Theatre, Ballina, last Saturday evening, and was attended by a large and representative gathering to make the presentation to Captain Fenwick and the crew of the Protector for bravery in connection with the steamer Chingtu.

Alderman Street said it was always the practice to recognise bravery, wherever and no matter by whom performed. They should be proud to recognise the bravery of their fellow townsman. Captain Fenwick’s daring pluck and ability as a bar-harbor navigator was thoroughly well-known in the town.

The Mayoress presented Captain Fenwick with a binocular glass, with the following inscription :- “Presented to Captain Fenwick for bravery displayed, Chingtu Disaster, August 1st, 1893.”

William Langford – 1894

William_Langford

Courtesy of Trove
On September 14, 1894, the ketch Sir George appeared off the bar and signalled for a tug. Captain Tom Fenwick, with driver Lomax, hurriedly manned the cranky 50 foot, 13 ton river steamer William Langford and without any deckhand, headed for the open sea. The outward journey was safely negotiated and a line made fast to the ketch, but when on the outer bar a huge sea broke aboard the little steamer, swamping her, and she immediately sank. The tow line breaking, the ketch drifted ashore on to the north spit. Steam was got up on the Protector and the town thrown into a state of excitement. Lomax secured a lifebuoy, but Captain Fenwick for a time had nothing to support him. Later, he managed to secure the cabin table. Being in the midst of a boiling surf, which was breaking for several hundred yards across the north spit, no assistance could be rendered the struggling men, although the pilot, Captain Fraser, was early on the scene. Captain Horatio Wood, of the Macleay, which was lying at the Ballina wharf, steamed out over the bar, threw out lifebuoys, cruised around, stopped and lowered a boat. Neither could the crew of the ketch afford any help. The Protector (Captain Lewis) steamed out over the bar, but could not get near the men, who were being carried northwards. After over an hour’s battling with the waves the men passed round North Head and were swept among the rocks below the lighthouse. Mr. Parker, the light-keeper, and his son had carried ropes and lifebuoys down to the beach in readiness for action. The signalman. Mr. W. Graham, with his brother Sydney, swam out, Sydney rescuing Lomax and William Captain Fenwick, both of whom were exhausted and cut by the rocks when dragged ashore. Captain Fenwick, who, during his long and useful career, met with a few miraculous escapes on the bar, always accorded the William Langford incident the palm for real peril. It undoubtedly broke up his once robust constitution and brought about his early death.

Protector – 1901

THE TUG PROTECTOR FOUNDERS WITH ALL HANDS. FIVE LIVES LOST.

Courtesy of Trove Northern Star, Wednesday 3 July 1901 (abridged)

Protector

Although there have been numerous mishaps at the Richmond entrance from time to time, still it can be claimed for our entrance that it is only on very rare occasions that these are attended with loss of life. Unfortunately the occasion of Monday morning last, which has created an intense gloom over the district was attended with a serious loss of life; and it is over twenty years since we have had such an appalling disaster at our entrance. On Friday Ballina reported a S.E. moderate gale blowing with a heavy sea running along the coast, but this had slightly moderated by Sunday. On Saturday morning the Oakland from Sydney arrived off the bar, but was signalled from the Lighthouse to stand off owing to the sea on the bar. The Oakland then went round to Byron Bay, where she had the misfortune to lose her propeller, but shortly afterwards the Macleay came from the Richmond and stood by her in the Bay. A telegram was despatched to Ballina for the Protector, and on Sunday afternoon about 4 o’clock the gale having moderated, Messrs. Fenwick Bros.’ well known tug Protector, with a crew of five put to sea and went north with the intention of bringing the Oakland round from the Bay. When the Protector crossed out there was a moderate sea on the bar, but during the night the wind increasing a very heavy sea came up. Early on Monday morning the Protector hove in sight, having the Macleay and Oakland in tow. They cruised about off the Heads for a while in the hope that there might be an opportunity for crossing in. Meanwhile the Tomki had come up from the south and crossed over the bar. The sea did not abate, and the Protector let go the line from the other vessels and started towards the bar by herself. It was now about 7.15, and as the Protector came up to the bar it was realised what a terrific sea was running. The Protector when on the outer break of the bar, and just off the North breakwater, turned slightly, and as she did so got down in the trough of the sea, when she was struck by a heavy sea with tremendous force, and a second following she turned completely over. Several eye-witnesses who were on the breakwater state that the tug floated for a few minutes bottom upwards, but immediately afterwards disappeared from view.

Mr. Fenwick writes of these men:–
“I highly respected everyone of them. A more
honorable set of men has never set foot on a tugboat.”

They also state that previous to capsizing two forms were seen at the wheel. It all occurred in such an incredibly short time that before the situation was fully realised the Protector had foundered. The Emma Pyers shortly afterwards came down from Ballina and cruised about inside the bar, but no trace could be seen of any of the crew. Search parties from Ballina were soon upon the North beach, which soon became strewn with wreckage. Some of this – the mast and paddle boxes – were smashed into small pieces. Although a diligent search was kept up all day and night, no trace of any of the crew could be found. Even if the men had managed to escape being sucked down with the vessel, it was known that they would have had small chance of living in such an angry sea. As the day wore on and there was no sign of life, it was beyond all doubt that all hands had gone down with the doomed vessel.

The names of the missing men are as follows :- Captain Jos. J. Lewis, 53 years, who leaves a widow and one daughter, was a brother of Mrs. T. Borton, of this town. He was a well-known and respected citizen of Ballina, a careful navigator, and one who was accustomed to cross the Richmond Bar in all weathers. He had been in the service of the late Captain Fenwick for many years. The engineer was Mr. Ben. Walton, 45 years, and a widower, who leaves six children. Mr. J. Vickery, 42 years, 2nd engineer and fireman, leaves a wife and one adopted child. Mr. T. Tobiason, 42, the mate, leaves a widow and four children. Mr. David Phillips, deck hand, 28 years, married, leaving a widow and three children.

The Protector was admirably suited for her work, and it will be difficult to replace her. It was the intention of the owners to send her round to the dock at Iluka, Clarence River, this week, for overhaul. We understand that the Protector was totally uninsured, so that it will mean a heavy loss – about £5000 in round number.

The search for the bodies of the missing men was continued yesterday, but although great quantities of wreckage have come ashore none of the bodies had been recovered up till 11.30 o’clock last evening.

Oakland – 1901

Oakland

The Oakland had a adventurous life. It first ran aground on the Ballina bar in 1891 just one year after it was built. In 1893 it collided with the Sydney off Bird Island near Budgewoi. In 1895 on the Sydney to Ballina run a seasick passenger fell overboard and drowned. The Ballina Bar claimed it again in 1896, twice in 1897 (breaking two blades off the propeller) twice in 1898 and in the Richmond River in 1899. In February 1901 it was damaged when it hit rock twice between North Evans Reef and Evans Head and then in July 1901 it collided with the Sarah L Hixson on the Richmond River near Ballina. In August 1901 it ran aground on the Richmond River entrance and was considered a total wreck. Despite this the Oakland was refloated a little over a month later by Captain Tom Fenwick junior and taken to Rileys Hill dry dock for repairs and returned to service on 16th February 1902.
On the 27th May 1903 in huge seas off Cabbage Tree Island, Port Stephens the Oakland foundered and sank. There were 11 lives lost including the captain, William Slater. 7 survivors in a partially flooded lifeboat were rescued by the SS Bellingen 8 hours later. Shifting cargo was thought to be the cause of the sinking. Source – Scuba Diving site

The Pilot goes for a swim – 1901

Courtesy of Trove The crew of the pilot boat, who had a narrow escape from drowning on the bar on February 20, had just left the steamer Macleay, when a wave suddenly curled up and broke over the boat, capsizing it, and throwing the men into the water. One of them, named J. Johnson, struck out for the northern breakwater, and after a hard struggle managed to reach it, but was completely exhausted, and could hardly speak. The other men Captain Fraser (pilot), W. Bryant, C. Cheyne, and J. Saunders, clung to the boat. W. Graham, at the lighthouse, witnessed the accident, and hurried to the pilot station, a mile distant, launched the other pilot boat, and, assisted by George Easton, went to the rescue, picking up Johnson on the way. They managed to save the whole of the crew, who had been in the water for over an hour. Fortunately the tide was running inwards at the time, otherwise the work of rescue would have been much more difficult. None of the men suffered very much from their immersion.

Lady Musgrave – 1904

At 6am on Sunday 27th March 1904 whilst crossing out at Ballina, the Lady Musgrave was hit by three heavy seas forcing her hatch covers off, flooding her engine room and breaking her helm and becoming a hopeless wreck.
Courtesy of Trove
The steamer Lady Musgrave, which was wrecked on Sunday while crossing the bar at Richmond River, was carried by heavy seas on to the Southern breakwater, where she became a total wreck. She had a crew of 18, and four passengers, namely, H.S. Stone, commercial traveler, C. Hetherington junr, and Mr. Braun, junr., both of Richmond River. Mr. O’Connor, chief mate of the coasting steamer Ramornie, displayed conspicuous gallantry in saving life. His vessel was to follow in ill-fated vessel over the bar, but seeing the former’s mishap, the Ramornie did not venture out. Mr. O’Connor took charge of a boat and went to the rescue. Owing to the heavy sea running it was impossible to get the boat close to the wreck, but Mr O’Connor without hesitation, fastened a life-line round himself and plunged into the surf. After a severe struggle he succeeded in establishing communication with the vessel, and by this mean, those on board were saved. All were more or less in a shaken condition. Captain Johnstone had been many years in the vessel, the first engineer being Mr. S. Holmes, the second engineer, Mr. W. Craig, the mate Mr. S. Gilling.

Tomki – 1907

Tomki loading at Lismore
tomki
Tomki rescue party – a heavy life-line secured to the funnel
established communication between those on shore
and the steamer, all landing in safety.
tomki wreck
Using the lifeline to rescue passengers
tomki wreck

STEAMER TOMKI ASHORE
Courtesy of Trove Macleay Chronicle, Thursday 19 September 1907
A special message from Ballina to the Sunday Times states that the Tomki was crossing the bar at 1 o’clock on the flood tide, under conditions usually considered unfavorable, the wind blowing freshly from the south east, lashing up a fair sea. Three or four waves broke aboard, and she apparently got a bad doing at a critical time. She bumped heavily on the bottom, lost her steering way, and drifted sideways, struck the north end of the breakwater. She then slewed round, and got clear, but right among the breakers, and completely helpless, stranded on Lighthouse Beach, broadside on to the waves which washed the decks and drenched the passengers and crew, gathered on the bridge. Meanwhile the pilot boat crew were active with the life saving apparatus, and ran it out on a truck. In the absence of Pilot Jones, who is away in Sydney, boatman Saunders directed operations, and made a splendid shot with the rocket against the wind, and carried the line amidships. He had the gear in splendid order, all ready for use. While a breeches basket was being rigged one of the Tomki’s boats was launched for ladies and children. The boat contained Mrs Dudgeon and her two young children (one an infant in arms), Mrs Jacques, Misses Martin, Laurens and Ackmann. It was a dangerous undertaking by reason of the current sweeping out. The crew of the boat nearly lost hold of the line on which they were depending to pull them to shore. Father O’Connor was one of the first to cross on the life-line. He had an experience he is not likely to forget. The life-line sagged under his weight, and he was completely submerged part of the journey. Greater tension on the line saved the other passengers a similar experience. Next after Father O’Connor was a blind man named Mercer. All the passengers and crew were brought off without mishap. Captain Archer being the last, and he was heartily cheered by a crowd of about 1000. The Tomki has been in critical situations on many previous occasions, and is locally considered to have the proverbial nine lives of a cat. The amount expended on repairs must approach the original cost of the vessel. Her present situation is considered as final by the best local authorities. Everything is favourable for salvage operations if the weather does not change. The cargo includes a large shipment of fish, which will be a total loss; also about £600 worth of bacon.

Just 4 days later:
TOMKI WRECK SOLD.
The wreck of the steamer Tomki, which was wrecked on the Richmond River entrance on Saturday morning, was sold at auction to-day for £135, W. Whatmore being the purchaser.

THE TOMKI WRECK
Courtesy of Trove Sydney Morning Herald, Friday 4 October 1907
The work of salvaging the wrecked steamer Tomki is proceeding. As the beach has shoaled up between the vessel and the shore, carts can almost get up to the wreck at low tide, thus minimising the difficulty of landing and removing gear and fittings. The steering gear, winches, and general fittings will all be saved, and it is possible that much of what is valuable below deck will also be got out. There is no change in the position of the steamer.

The wreckage remained beside the northern breakwall, attracting onlookers for many months.

Sophia Ann & Rescue – 1908

sophia_ann_rescue
sophia_ann_rescue

DISASTER AT BALLINA. – STEAMER SOPHIA ANN AND TUG RESCUE AGROUND. – BOTH TOTAL WRECKS.
Courtesy of Trove Northern Star, Saturday 11 April 1908
Ballina reported yesterday morning south east, light winds, cloudy, sea moderate. Steamers Sophia Ann and Rescue still aground. Former regarded in safe position but the tug is full of water and becoming a total wreck.
The steamer Sophia Ann, in tow of the tug Rescue, left Ballina on Thursday afternoon and crossed out about 4.30 p.m. After the bar was crossed, the tow line was cast off, and the tug was returning to port. Shortly afterwards it was found that the Sophia Ann’s rudder had carried away, and she signalled for the Rescue, which went to her assistance. Just after crossing the bar inwards the Sophia Ann grounded on a sand bank, and the tug holding on to her also got on the sand. Both vessels remained there hard and fast. Attempts made to release them proved futile. The s.s. Captain Tom Fenwick went to the scene, but could not do anything. Yesterday morning the Rescue’s engine room was full of water. The crew of the Sophia Ann left the vessel at 4.30 p.m. yesterday, and it is believed both steamers will become total wrecks. The sea was moderate at the time of the accident. It is thought that the Sophia Ann, having no steering-way on, drew the tug on to the sand bank. At latest re-ports, both vessels were breaking up. The pilot will make an examination of the wrecks this morning. It is believed that the Sophia Ann is partly insured, and that the tug is uninsured.

BALLINA DISTRICT.
Courtesy of Trove Brisbane Courier, Thursday 9 July 1908
On Saturday last the steamer City of Grafton narrowly escaped a disaster in crossing in. The wrecks of the Sophia Ann and the Rescue have drifted into the channel. In trying to avoid these the steamer got perilously near the breakwater. An anchor was thrown out to stop the vessel drifting into danger. The City of Grafton swung right round on her anchor in a very critical part of the channel, and at last, after a very anxious time managed to resume her course up the river. A good number of spectators went out to the wall at the time of the crisis. It is high time the wrecks of the Sophia Ann and Rescue were blown up, us they impede navigation.


Shipping