The Loss of the “Avalanche.”
The Avalanche was another Shaw, Savill ship which took down all but three of its company. She was outward bound to Wellington with 60 passengers, under Captain Williams, in September, 1877. At 8.45 p.m. when off Portland, she was on the port tack, the wind blowing strong from the S.W., when a red light was sighted on the starboard bow. The officer of the watch gave the order “hard up” and “brail in the spanker,” but the other ship, which was evidently running up Channel, came straight on, and as the Avalanche fell off struck her right amidships on the port side. Three of the crew of the Avalanche managed to clamber aboard the other ship, which was the Forest of Windsor, Nova Scotia, and these three, the third mate named Sherrington and two A.B.’s, were the only ones saved. The Forest also sank, but managed to launch four boats in safety. These were picked up by fishermen the following morning and landed at Portland.
“WILD DEER.”
Photo by De Maus, Port Chalmers.
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“WILD DEER.”
Lent by Captain T. S. Angus.
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