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The Prince Of The Seas sailed from Kilrush on the 19th September. The former master and some passengers died there of cholera. In approaching the Heads on the afternoon of the 27th, about half-past four o'clock, she got too near the Point Nepean shore, and struck the Corsair Rock, but the strength of the tide brought her over the reef. She proceeded for the anchorage off the Quarantine Ground, making water fast; she parted her first anchor, and let go the second, and was shortly after boarded by Mr. Pilot Patterson, when it was found that she had five feet water in her hold. Her anchor being got up the pilot ran her on shore above Point King, where she now lies. It appears that she ran past the pilot cutter in a tremendous squall which came on about four o'clock, and finding herself too close to shore she was unable to wear and ran for the entrance at all hazards. The pilot cutter could render no assistance at the time, having another large passenger ship close by requiring a pilot ; and the weather being very squally, it is a very providential circumstance that the velocity of the current brought the ship over reef, or, without doubt, there would have been loss of life. It was reported yesterday in town that the Prince of the Seas had settled considerably by the stern and that very little hope was entertained of getting her off. This Sophia and Hercules, steam-tugs had taken off the whole of the passengers on the 30th ultimo, and a survey was held on the ship by Mr. Probert, Lloyd's surveyor and Captain Treyer, the result of which has not transpired. Geelong Advertiser ; 1 Jan 1855 SG & SGTL Vol. 12 ; Page 9, 8 Jan 1855 We regret to state that this vessel struck on Point Nepean, when entering the Heads on Thursday evening, in charge of a pilot. She is a large ship from Glasgow, and has a very heavy cargo, much of which, it is feared, will sustain considerable damage. Messrs. Dockson, Gilchrist, and Co., the agents, upon being apprised of the catastrophe, lost no time in despatching steamboats and lighters to take off the passengers and endeavour to save the cargo. The following is the captain's letter to the agents, advising them of the occurrence:- "Port Phillip Heads, December 28, 1854.- Gentlemen,- I am sorry to report that the ship Prince of the Seas struck on Point Nepean when entering the Heads. I telegraphed per Geelong for steamer to land passengers and cargo as soon as possible. As she made too much water to be kept afloat, the pilot grounded her on a sand and mud bank, where she now lies. I shall inform you fully as to the circumstances personally. All are well. SG & SGTL Vol. 12 ; Page 9, 8 Jan 1855 We are requested to state that at the time the Prince of the Seas went ashore at the Heads, there was no pilot an beard. The vessel was afterwards boarded, and ran aground a second time in order to save her, as she was fast filling. The captain has, we believe, expressed himself satisfied with the pilot in charge. Argus. The Prince of the Seas sailed from Kilrush on the 19th September. The former master and some passengers died there of cholera. In approaching the Heads on the afternoon of the 27th, about half-past four o'clock, she got too near the Point Nepean shore, and struck the Corsair Rock, but the strength of the tide brought her over the reef. She proceeded for the anchorage off the Quarantine Ground, making water fast ; she parted her first anchor, and let go the second, and was shortly after boarded by Mr. Pilot Patterson, when it was found that she had five feet water in her hold. Her anchor being got up the pilot ran her on shore above Point King, where she now lies. It appears that she ran past the pilot cutter in a tremendous squall which came on about four o'clock, and finding herself too close to shore she was unable to wear. and ran for the entrance at all hazards. The pilot cutter could render no assistance at the time, having another large passenger ship close by requiring a pilot ; and the weather being very squally, it is a very providential circumstance that the velocity of the current brought the ship over the reef, or, without doubt, there would have been loss of life. It was reported yesterday in town that the Prince of the Seas had settled considerably by the stern, and that very little hope was entertained of getting her off. The Sophia and Hercules, steam-tugs, had taken off the whole of the passengers on the 30th ultimo, and a survey was held on the ship by Mr. Probert, Lloyd's surveyor, and Captain Treyer, the result of which has not transpired. Captain Broadfoot gave his second and third mates into the custody of the water-police for insubordination.- Geelong Advertiser, January 1. SG & SGTL Vol 12 ; Page 9 ; 8 Jan 1855 The Prince of the Seas was towed up the bay yesterday by the steam tug Meteor. It is considered that this fine ship has not received very considerable damage, but a minute examination of her will enable Captain Broadfoot to ascertain the actual injuries she has received. A good deal of the cargo has been taken out, and some that was damaged has been thrown overboard. It is hoped that a great portion of her cargo now onboard will be saved, as the ship is not making much water. Steam-pumps are still at work on board.- Argus. January 16. SG & SGTL Vol 12 ; Page 22 ; 22 Jan 1855 ^ back to top ^ |