The
Benjamin, H Baker, master, was a single decked
schooner of 81 tons burden, with a draught of water of 10 ft. when loaded, built in America
and owned by its captain.[1]
She held an E2 classification, a 2nd class ship, built of 2nd
class materials.
On
Sunday last, between the hours of two and three in the afternoon, a vessel
narrowly escaped shipwreck off Tramore. The Benjamin, Baker, master, from the
coast of Africa, for Liverpool, with redwood, palm oil, ivory, &c. &c.
ran into the bay, mistaking it for the harbour of Waterford. The weather was
hazy, and the mast of the Albion, which was occasionally seen, induced Captain
Baker to believe, that she was riding at anchor. After some time, however, he
discovered the error into which he had fallen, and took every precaution to
secure the safety of the ship. A small part of the cargo was thrown overboard,
and the captain himself, at considerable hazard, went ashore in his boat, in
order to ascertain his situation and to procure assistance. Mr Walsh, of the
hotel, whose humanity and zeal, on these occasions, entitle him to public
gratitude, made signal for Captain Baker’s boat, and afterwards, carefully and
eagerly supported by the inhabitants, afforded him every aid and information
which his situation required, or the circumstances would allow. Captain Baker
also derived considerable advantage from the accidental presence of Mr Allan,
junior and Mr Kennedy, agent on this coast, for various insurance companies.
Two boats and crews, belonging to Tramore, were procured and by extraordinary
efforts, the vessel was next day conducted out of the bay, and arrived safely
in the harbour, with only the loss of her cables and anchor, Waterford
Chronicle.[2]
No comments:
Post a Comment