We are sorry to have to report the stranding of two vessels, the brig Elizabeth, and the Will Watch schooner, on the beach, on Sunday night. The wind had been blowing rather fresh from the exposed part of the bay, from Saturday morning, and increased on Sunday, until it blew very strong in the afternoon, continuing to do so until night. The sea rose as the wind freshened, and all Sunday afternoon from two o'clock the vessels rode uneasily. The Will Watch began to drag at two o'clock, but at last parted just at sun-down. The Elizabeth was at the moorings, but no one is aware how she broke adrift, but breaking from them she came the first on shore, and the Will Watch almost immediately followed. The brig, being American built, will be a complete wreck ; and the Will Watch seriously damaged, if she be got off at all.

The Elizabeth had part of her wool and oil on board, which, with the vessel, are said to be insured. The Will Watch was discharging yesterday. The Winchester, which had put in for supplies, rode out the breeze without striking a yard, and the Minerva held her ground without dragging an inch. It is two years to a day since we have had so strong a wind from the south-east, and at that time the Minerva rode it out, in company with the Mary, cutter.

Portland Guardian, November 24, 1846.

By a private letter received from Portland Bay yesterday, dated November 23rd, 1846, news has been obtained of the total wreck of the brig Elizabeth, which vessel was loading there for London. Also, that the schooner Will Watch, partly loaded for Sydney, had been driven on the beach, and it was supposed that she would have to be sold as she was then lying.

SG & SGTL of 5 Dec 1846

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