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When Monday morning broke there was a heavy gale sweeping over the Gulf, and the sea which rolled in on the eastern shore was rather too heavy for prudent men to venture boats afloat. As the day dawned it was seen that a large ship was ashore below the Stations. The President of the Marine Board and the agent of the ship were soon apprised of the fact, and the result was the early charter of the Eleanor to proceed thither to render all possible assistance. Outside the bar the heavy seas from the westward scattered the spray over the tug, and everybody sought the shelter of the o??case. Down the Gulf at half speed wetted the steamer’s decks considerably; but even after passing the Craigendarroch at anchor the sea became positively ugly, as heavy rollers from the westward showed that the beach boats would be of little service in such a sea. The nautical talent on board the Eleanor arranged to anchor and drop down for a line, to follow which a good hawser would have assisted in towing the vessel off. It was very nearly high water, and there then arose a question of salvage or not, but the agents’ representative being on board this difficulty was soon got over. A matter of more real difficulty was how to get the hawser across. Fortunately the Margaret just then came round the Point, and headed down for the ship like a good water sprite, which she certainly was, as she got into the out breakers, and for an instant was enveloped in a crowd of surf. She ranged on and took the hauling line, dropped down on the City’s port quarter, and after some trouble got the line on board. Occasionally the heavier seas would roll in till the launch was out of sight, but after awhile line was passed on board. The exultation, however, was only of momentary duration, as the propellers got fouled, and the little steamer was obliged to anchor, or rather to hold on to the Eleanor’s line. While the little episode was going on the tug began her tow, and properly stretched out the beautiful new hawser passed from her stern. The wash of the paddles outside the break made a kind of passage, and though hemmed in on either side, the Harbour Master and our Shipping Reporter ventured in the steamer’s boat, and after some careful navigation the City’s side was reached, and an earnest welcome accorded. The steam tug towed hard as the tide approached high water, but it was evident that the City had made such a bed for herself that unless after extensive lighterage she would not come off. The report of the voyage from England shows the ship left Plymouth on June 6, and on getting away south the north-east trades were brisk and pleasant. On June 29 crossed the Line in 30o long., and the passage of the south east trades was moderate and fine. On July 7 sighted the Isle of Trinidad, and soon after had a very heavy gale. On July 26 crossed the prime meridian in 44o south lat. On crossing the Southern Ocean fine breezes prevailed, only interspersed with a couple of gales, during which the ship was hove-to for 48 hours. Cape Leuwin was passed on the 16th August, and Cape Borda on Sunday morning. The ship then reached up the Gulf, until on Sunday evening she was well up for Yankalilla, but on account of the force of wind was under lower topsails and foretopmast staysail. At 1 o’clock Glenelg light was sighted, and a course shaped for the anchorage, when without previous warning the wind suddenly shifted to N.N.W. and the ship consequently broke off. The lead, which was constantly going, showed she was approaching the eastern shore, and every possible exertion was made to get commanding sail on. Suddenly the land was perceive in such proximity that there was no alternative but to anchor. The port anchor was let go, but parted cable at 30 fathoms, and without further warning the ship stranded, the last cast being half three. To ease [off] her sails were clewed up and furled, and finding there was no immediate apprehension no boats were launched, as there was a heavy rolling surf alongside. It is believed that the ship will come off at high tide, but not without considerable expense, seeing it will be necessary to completely discharge and dismantle her. Every exertion is being made to push forward the operation of lightering, so that the present tides may be taken advantage of, which will be at their spring about Thursday next. Some citizens who have friends on board were disappointed that no attempt was made to get them landed on Monday. Although the vessel may be safe in moderate weather, it is hard to say how she would fare if it should be as tempestuous as it has been known. The following information was telegraphed to Mr. S. Cornish, of Harrold Brothers, by the Port agents of the firm – "City cannot be got off unless all cargo discharged and ship dismantled. Now making necessary arrangements for lightering. Eight cases scarlet fever on board. Have got Duncan to allow all convalescent passengers to land. Steamer goes for them to-morrow (Tuesday) noon, with lighter. Mitchell quite well."
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