(Abridged from the Overland China Mail)

The Reynard, H.M. Steam-sloop, started from Hongkong on 28th May, in company with H.M.B. Pilot, the former intended to provide against any chance of calm, though not powerful enough to steam against the strong N.E. wind blowing at the time. There was no observation at noon on the 29th, the weather being cloudy and unsettled, with a nasty sea running. About 10 P.M. that night, sail was shortened, and the speed reduced, in the expectation that at daylight on the 30th the distance from the Shoals would be about 25 miles. The strictest look-out was kept, the captain and master being on deck nearly all the night. Observations at noon, however, showed that, owing to a set of 50 miles in 48 hours, the Pratas Shoals were still 45 miles dead to windward. At 4.30 P.M. good sights for the chronometers gave the direction of the current as changed more to the eastward, but still almost in the opposite direction to the course.

It appears the steamer now put on her screw propeller, in order to counteract this current, and leave it no longer doubtful that she at all events, if not the brig, would reach the shoals and rescue the shipwrecked crew of the Velocipede on the following day. During the night of the 30th the greatest vigilance was observed ; but at 4 15 A.M. when by Patent Log and the chart, the distance from the Shoals could not have been within 29 miles, without a sign, the water smooth as a mill-pond, a look-out on the bowsprit and hailing his fellow look-out on the knight-head, who could see nothing - the ship just touched gently. Instantly the engines were reversed, and the sails thrown aback ; but without effect - two feet forward, she was held by the coral rock.

The testimony of eye-witnesses goes to show how anchors were laid out, but to no purpose ; the strong current swept the vessel broadside on the reef, with 70 fathoms within a hand's throw. The following tide soon began to disclose the nature of the reef on which the vessel had struck. Gradually the heaving swell amounted to surf, throwing her about like a feather, and lifting her in such a way at times that the masts were shaken like fishing rods. Such a warfare could not be of long continuance, and in four hours the good vessel was bilged and the water above the midship part of her lower deck ; and at last the sea, which nothing could withstand, beat right over her as the wind, unfortunately changed to the south-east, blowing strong.

These circumstances we desire to place before our readers ; some way or other vessels are missing year after year, taifungs [typhoons] at one time being the popular solution, pirates at another ; but we believe that the Pratas Shoals are much more to be feared, and therefore masters of vessels would do well to give them a wide berth, We have heard of 60 miles being allowed for set by one master, who has twice been providentially saved from wreck on this reef.

It is gratifying, however, to know, that on the occasion of this double shipwreck no life has been lost. As regards the Reynard's crew, although they were exposed to great hardship and passed a whole night on a raft up to their middle in water, yet the order and arrangements made were such, and the behaviour of the men so exemplary, that happily all were got safe to the small island on the 3rd instant, from whence they embarked in H.M. brig Pilot, the commander of which vessel, with praiseworthy perseverance, remained in the vicinity to render all assistance in his power, fully estimating the precarious position in which his friends were placed. Fortunately, the weather on the 3rd was favourable, and the embarkation was effected without accident ; and the Reynard' ship's company (along with the crew of the Velocipede) arrived in Hongkong on the 5th, and now await the disposition of the naval Commander-in-Chief.

SG & SGTL Vol. 8, p. 277

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