Shipping Gazette and Sydney General Trade List

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Loss of the Peruvian



The Peruvian - By the arrival of the American whaler Pleiades, we have been placed in possession of the exact position of the wreck of this unfortunate vessel. Captain Russell states that he boarded her on the 28th of May last, when she was high and dry on a reef in lat. 21� 40' S., long. 159� 68' E. Her hull had been much stove in the bottom forward, through which the water rushed at high tide ; her mainmast and mizenmast were gone, but the foremast and fore-topmast were standing, with the topsail and foresail hanging from the yards. A search was made to endeavour to obtain some document of the particulars of the wreck, and also the means resorted to for leaving the vessel, but none was found.

The various papers saved were secured by Captain Russell, who has brought them on to Sydney and delivered them up to her agents, Messrs. Thacker and Co. The cabin was strewed with female apparel, and everything gave indication that those on board had left shortly after the vessel struck. It was the general opinion of those who visited the wreck that the boats had all been washed away, and as no spare spars were on board, that a raft had been hastily constructed, upon which the crew and passengers had taken refuge. Fearing that some other vessels would be led into danger by the wreck, Captain Russell thought it prudent, to set fire to her.

SG & SGTL of 8 Aug 1846

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