Waterford, 12 November 1791:
On
Thursday arrived in this port, the Elizabeth, Lusk, and the Lord Longford,
Steade, principally laden with fish, from Newfoundland. And yesterday, came in
the Beckford, Elson, a ship employed in the same trade, and of the same description
with the former, The reason of this latter vessel being somewhat later in
reaching our harbour than the former, probably is owing to an accident, which
was likely to have proved fatal to her, and to the whole company on board,
amounting (sailors and passengers) to 240 souls.
While
at a distance from Tramore Bay, a light which shone out of the windows of the
different houses of the town, by the effect of distance concentrating as it
were into one point, effectually beguiled the mariners, into a belief that it
was the light of Hook Tower, which, as it was wont; offered them its friendly
aid; and thus misguided, without dread or suspicion they rushed on the very
brink of ruin, and did not perceive their mistake until it was almost too late
to recede. Beside the terror which this sudden view of danger inspired, it cost
them near four hours ere they could recover their proper ground, and put
themselves in a condition to accomplish the remainder of their voyage.[1]
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