The stranding of the schooner "Leighton".
It is with the greatest pleasure that we have to state that Mr. Page has
tested the value of his efforts by saving a vessel, to all appearance,
destined for inevitable destruction. About on o'clock p.m., on the 13th
instant, the schooner Leighton, Jones, master, was seen making for this
port, and driving, with a heavy sea, for the north side of the harbour, where
there has been many a wreck with loss of life and property. The sea being very
heavy, the boat, with the pier rope being unable to get through, in
consequence of the surf, the vessel struck on the North Bank. The situation of
the vessel was now extremely critical, the breakers being so violent, that no
boat, attempting to relieve her, could live under these circumstances. Mr.
Page brought the twelve-pounder, belonging to the Harbour works, to bear upon
her and, at the first discharge, succeded in conveying a rope across the
breakers, and over her rigging. To this rope a hawser was fastened by those on
the pier, which, being hauled by the crew on board, sufficiently steadied her,
and the result was the vessel was saved. We feel it our duty to give publicity
to this circumstance, feeling perfectly confident that were it not for the
rope conveyed by the carronade she would either have been a wreck, or have
received considerable damage. James Davies, Esq., the owner, was present, and
seemed not a little pleased at the result of the first trial of Mr. Page's
experiment.
Carnavon and Denbigh Herald, February 27, 1841.
Transcribed by
Lars Bruzelius
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Copyright © 1996 Lars Bruzelius.