The Great Gale - 1866

This document has been transcribed from The Exeter & Plymouth Gazette dated Friday 19^th January 1866. It is a wonderfully descriptive piece of work that has been written with such imagination as to put you right at the heart of the gale and the total confusion that must have followed. It highlights real people and their many acts of heroism to save the lives of others whilst risking their own to do it.

On a personal note, a relative, Samuel Gempton was documented as being the owner of the trawler Telegram, and was caught up in the gale – his boat sank beneath him whilst trying to move it to the shelter of the harbour.

THE TORBAY DISASTERS

So great was the loss of human life and the destruction to shipping occasioned by the terrific gale which visited Torbay on the 10^th inst., that the time has since elapsed has hardly sufficed for an accurate conclusion being arrived at as to the fearful results of that fatal night. It is however certain that at least upwards of 70 men were drowned, and shipping destroyed to the extent of from £150,000 to £200,000. The number of ships that were in the bay on the night of the gale it is impossible to fix, and although the committee appointed for the relief of the distressed have come to the conclusion that 62 merchant vessels were there, it is uncertain whether that is the correct number. It is still insisted upon by some of the captains and other, that there were at least between 70 and 80 vessels anchored in the bay on the evening of the 10^th inst., It is very possible, too, that as the gale was threatening, and Torbay being noted for its safety, a number of vessels might have taken up their moorings there after dark, and consequently unnoticed by those on shore. The committee, however, dealt simply with the facts, which accounts for their return of the number of lives lost being so much less than that stated by others, viz 150. The following are additional particulars to those published in the Exeter Gazette of last week. No damage is considered to have been occasioned to the shipping until after midnight, when the wind blew a terrific gale from the east, driving a number of ships before it in wild confusion on to the shore of Broadsands, where they got stranded.

The wind then suddenly veered round to the north-east with increased fury and nearly all the ships remaining were forced from their anchors. Each endeavoured to make for some harbour, but the crews had so little command over the ships, and it was so intensely dark, that they were repeatedly running foul of each other, until one by one they sank or were dashed against the pier or rugged rock adjoining , and wrecked. It is evident, from the men already washed on shore being in a state of nudity, that they had thrown themselves overboard with a view of swimming on shore. In case, however, they swam to the shore, they must have been thrown with such violence against either the pier wall or the rocks as to be rendered insensible and washed away again, and it would seem so from the fact that almost every one of the poor fellows was seriously wounded about the head. One had his skull completely beaten in. The back part of the breakwater was the wildest portion of the bay, and there the greatest destruction to life and shipping took place. Here it was that the Ton and Mary was wrecked. Ropes were thrown by those on shore to the crew, who placed the ropes round them, and were dragged through the water.

At the same time the brigantine called the Honour came to grief. Her crew were taken on shore by means of a warp, attached to which was an apparatus for a person to sit in, worked to and fro. Before the warp was obtained, a small rope was used and it broke, the mate who had hold of it falling into the water, He was washed twice around the vessel before a rope could be thrown in to him. At last, however he was brought onshore alive. P.C Anstey, Mr Richard Newman, and Mr Lock ( Coastguard officer) rendered most valuable assistance at this point in saving life and property. Mr J Barter also deserves to be particularly mentioned for his heroic conduct. Being unable to throw the warp on board a vessel he had a rope placed around his waist and then plunged into the surf until he was able to throw a line to the crew. The arrangements were under the superintendence of Mr H. Hallett, Officer of Customs. In the manner above described the crew – 17 in number- of three ships, a brigantine and two schooners were saved.

A large number of vessels were also washed against the pier, and there dashed to pieces, the crews being saved by means of a number of ropes lowered to them by those on the pier , some 20 feet above them. These ropes were supplied by the captain of the schooner Reform, who cut them from the rigging of his ship for that purpose. The smack Lady of the Lake, Albeona, a schooner, a barque Wild Leon, and Wild Rose in nearing the mouth of the harbour after being forced from their moorings came in collision with others, and afterwards with the pier, and were pounded to pieces. The crews were pulled over the pier, Mr Anstey and Mr. Mills of themselves being instrumental in saving 20 lives in this way.

Along the rugged coast towards Brixham wrecks were occurring thick and fast. A fine brigantine laden with coffee was rendered a perfect wreck at Bench, near Mr . Wolston’s paint works, and the captain and a boy were drowned. Along this part of the coast Mr. W.H Blake, Mr Robert |Gregory, Mr Hellings, Mr Gaskings, grocer, and Mr Milton (captain of the coastguard) were diligently engaged rendering wrecked crews valuable assistance, throwing ropes to them and bringing them to shore.

The ship Wild Rose, Captain Smith , master, laden with Indian Corn, from the Black Sea, under the pressure of the gale , slipped her anchor. She the availed herself of the last chance left for her, viz., to make for the harbour. On nearing the harbour, however , and within a quarter of a mile of it, the fishing smack Britton, belonging to Mr Christopher Green, of Brixham, had been cast from her anchors, and was also proceeding towards the harbour, having her main sail hawsed. Being leeward of the Wild Rose, she attempted to pass before her. She however failed to accomplish her objective, and the Wild Rose, taking the wind out of her sails and becalming her, eventually forced her against the pier, and then completely doubled her up. Fortunately, some of those on shore , seeing what was about to occur, threw lines to the crew, and thus saved them from sinking with the ship.

The fishing smack Colonel Buller, of Brixham, was riding safely at anchor until the commencement of the gale. The crew then took to their boat and proceeded to row towards the harbour, but they had not proceeded far before they were pressed upon by the stern of a boat, causing theirs to turn over, and the master (Capt. Crocker) and two others were drowned in the presence of several thousand persons who had assembled along the pier and cliffs. This sad event happened shortly after eleven o’clock.

The fishing smack Favourite (Mrs. Richardson, Brixham, owner) was under anchor about eleven o’clock in the morning, when another ship, of a much larger size, was seen by the master Mr. William Loram, to be bearing down upon her. He ordered his own boat to be launched. On jumping into her the painter parted, and Loram was left with one oar at the mercy of the gale. He was washed swiftly into the harbour, where his boat would have been dashed to pieces and he drowned had it not been for the timely assistance rendered by Mr James Clatworthy in throwing a line to him.

Another wreck was the Monda of Hull, Capt. J Fordyce, laden with a general cargo valued at £14,000 and the ship at £2000. This vessel came into Torbay on the 6^th inst, weather bound.. About quarter past five o’clock in the morning her chains parted. The captain then endeavoured to make for the harbour, but he was unable to do so being drifted to Fishcombe Point where the vessels went to pieces. Five of the crew were drowned. The mate Bertram, in attempting to jump on shore, fell and got jammed between the ship and the rocks, and was crushed to death. The other four, John Todd, William Painter, the butcher, and a man of colour, were drowned in the vessel. The captain and two others saved themselves by jumping on to a rock. The ship was assured, the captain being part owner of her.

The schooner Tangerine belonging to Messrs, Soper, Brown and others of Brixham , and recently built by Mr John Furneaux at the cost of £2,600, had been riding at her anchors up to 2 p.m. At that time the violence of the gale became so terrific that her cable parted, and she then immediately made for the harbour, but unfortunately before she had proceeded far, having in the meantime narrowly

escaped being swamped by the mountainous waves, she fouled with a fishing smack and was diverted from her course. Reaching the harbour broadside on she was driven upon the rocks on the south side close by. She must have been a total wreck in a short time had it not been for some brave fellows, viz, John Fast, William Tarrant, James Brown, Thomas Kingdom, Thomas Udder, William Blackler, George Headouse, and William Tarrant jun., who seeing the imminent danger the ship was exposed to, manned a gig and went to her rescue, with a line. They made fast this rope to the hawser on board the Tangerine and then returned with the other end of it to the shore where it was laid hold of by some hundred fellows, and with a good number of long pulls and strong pulls the vessel was soon dragged out of her perilous position, and after some considerable difficulty safely brought into harbour. Too much praise cannot be given to those heroic fellows, for it should be bourne in mind had they not thus acted at the risk of their lives the crew of the Tangerine would have perished and the ship have become a complete wreck.

The fishing smack Telegram belonging to Mr S. Gempton, of Brixham, while lying at her moorings was struck by another vessel breaking some of her stanchions causing her to make much water, and the crew of the former fearing the consequence got into their boats and into another vessel close by. The owner of the Telegram who was on shore at the time, hired a gig and went on board his vessel. He found that she had sustained serious damage by the collision and was fast sinking. He consequently lost no time in getting her towards the harbour. When about 20 fathoms from the pier head the owner, who has been at her helm up to this time, finding that she was sinking fast jumped into the sea. A few seconds afterward the Telegram sunk. Mr Gempton was gallantly brought on shore by John Lewis who went to his assistance in a gig.

The fishing smack Uncle Jack (Mr.John Hannaford, Owner) the Wideawake (Mr.Edwin Adams), the Emma (Mr.W.Salsbury) and the Primrose (Mr.H.Salsbury) rode out the gale: all the crews with their masters remaining on board, and gallantly rendering all the assisstance they possibly could to their less fortunate bretheren.

The brig Cheshire Witch, laden with copper ore (cargo alone worth £8000), Captain Lowther from Southampton to Swansea was washed against the rocks at Fishcombe Point. Within ten minutes after striking not a vestige of her was visible. There were seven hands on board, three of whom were drowned. The captain was amongst the saved.

A large barque (name unknown) was lying about two miles off Berry Head on Saturday morning in imminent danger of being wrecked. Mr. John Fowler, master of the fishing smack Osprey, of Brixham, sailed out to her and advised the captain to cut away the mainmast and foremast and slip anchor. The captain adopted his advice, and she was safely taken to Dartmouthharbour by Mr.Fowler. The captain afterwards presented Mr. Fowler with £70 for himself and his crew for the assisstance rendered.

The schooner Dorset, of Falmouth, laden with pitwood, Captain Beer, bound for Cardiff, came into Torbay about six o’clock on Wednesday evening weather bound. She remained under anchor in the bay until about three o’clock the following morning when a vessel drove foul of her and parted her chains. The hurricane at this time was near its height, and the Dorset with a number of others were helplessly driven before the gale. Despite the efforts of the crew to save her she was soon on shore at Brodsands. The crew , four in number, narrowly escaped being drowned by jumping off and swimming to the shore.

The Blue Jacket, of Newcastle (Mr. Charles West, owner), in ballast, Captain Thomas Hamlyn, with Mr. Isaac Juzzell on board as pilot, came in about eleven o’clock on Wednesday night. About twelve o’clock while riding with 70 fathom of chain she fouled with another vessel, but without sustaining any material damage. About half an hour subsequently the Blue Jacket came into collosion with a second vessel, resulting in the former having her main boom and main gaff carried away, and mainsail torn to pieces. She, however, kept at her moorings until six o’clock the following morning, when she parted one cable, and at ten o’clock the other broke, and she was drifted to Fishcombe Cove, where she got stranded. The crew were saved,and on Monday she was got off by Mr. J.B.Mansfield, of Teignmouth, and afterwards removed to his yard to be repaired. She had sustained serious damage. The greater portion of the copper ore (£10,000 worth) lost near the Pier has been recovered and brought on shore. On Monday a large number of side-saddles were washed ashore.

The Grace, of Brixham, Capt. Hugh Perrett. This fishing sloop was anchored at Black Bow about four o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, the wind being at that time north-west. On account of the changing of the wind and a gale threatening, they anchored in another part of the bay about ten o’clock. At eleven o’clock a gale blew from south-east, and at 1.30 a.m. the captain saw a large number of vessels drifting ashore, which induced him to hoist the “flare up light” and deck lantern. At 6.30 he observed the Wild Rose running, with a standing jib set, towards them, and before the chain could be slipped she struck the Grace on the port bow, and instantly began to fill. The rigging of each being foul they drifted together towards the pier. Whilst thus proceedingthe crew of the Grace jumped on board the Wild Rose, and on her getting into shallow water ropes were thrown to them by those on pier. John Tucker and Robert Gregory were the first hauled ashore, the captain preferring to be last. Captain Perret whilst being hauled in narrowly escaped being jammed between the Pier and a vessel. Whilst he was in the water a second rope was thrown to him, which he seized, and was safely hauled to the top of the pier. The Grace was completely wrecked.

The Water Lily, of Llanelly, slipped both cable chains about ten o’clock on Thursday morning, and safely arrived in harbour with the loss of her jib-boom. John Murry, one of the crew, had his leg seriously injured while hurriedly paying out the chain. The crew of this ship state that they saw two French scooners and a barque sink with all hands on board, at Black Ball.

A Prussian brigantine is also reported to be lost. The crew consisted of seven, five of them were hauled on shore by ropes. A carpenter and a boy were drowned.

The Ellen Edwards, of Aberystwith, 83 tons, and laden with 140 tons of sugar, is a total wreck. Three, including the captain, out of five of the crew were saved. The Cumbri, of Exeter attempted to get out of the bay during the gale but failed. This vessel lay about a mile off the pier with two anchors down when she broke from her cable and drove towards the shore. Within ten minutes after leaving her moorings the Cambria was a total wreck, and the crew saved with difficulty. Whilst she was drifting she had no less than six collisions, and it is thought by the captain that he would have safely come into harbour had his vessel not been steered to leeward to avoid sinking a trawler. After this she was unavoidably brought her into collision with two other vessels which threw her so much to leeward that she ran against the pier, her mast hanging over the pier. The crew saved themselves by climbing up the mast on to the top of the pier wall. The vessel soon broke up.

The ship Le Louis, of Aberyswith, Captain Thomas Rice, bound from Cayenne to Liverpool, was also wrecked. She slipped her moorings at 4.30. a.m. and made for the harbour. A collision with a trawler broke away the boom and mainsail, the latter falling across the tiller rendering the ship unmanageable. It was driven against the fatal pier and wrecked. The Alma, of Exeter, is reported to have arrived from Brixham at Exmouth all safe; the Alama, of Teignmouth (which was supposed to be at Brixham during the gale has since arrived at Plymouth having sustained but little damage.

LIST OF WRECKS

The following is as correct a list of shipping wrecked as far as is yet ascertained: - The Dutch brig Jacobe, Captain Spricke, from Mont Video to Sillett, via Falmouth, total wreck, one of the crew drowned. Schooner Ellen Edwards, Captain John Davis, from Dunkirk to Liverpool, total wreck, two of the crew drowned. Brig Deborah, Captain Thomas Lloyd, from Wisbeach for Larne with a cargo of wheat, lost rigging, saved all her crew. Brig Hanover, laden with oil of vitriol and paint from Rouen, bound to Malbio. The captain was drowned in his cabin, the rest of the crew were saved. The French brig Drian, from Jersey to Cardiff, in ballast, wrecked outside Brixham Pier, crew saved.

Scene at Broadsands showing the devastation that followed the Gale , illustrated by Mr. S. Payton of Teignmouth, and reproduced in the London Illustrated News – January 20^th 1866.

The brigantine Emilie and Charles, from Andressen to Chainte, laden with coals, crew saved, but he vessel broke up. The smack Lady of the Lake, from Brixham to Guernsey, a total wreck, the crew were saved. The barque Wild Rose, of Whitby, laden with wheat from Odessa, arrived here from Falmouth, bound to Dublin, crew were saved. The barque Princess Beatrice, laden with wheat from Odessa, bound to Dublin, crew were saved but the ship sank. The Prussian brigantine Courier, from Rio Janerio, South America, waiting in Torbay for orders; vessel wrecked, and two of the crew drowned. The schooner James, laden with 100 tons of flour , and bound from Harve-de-Grace to Liverpool, a wreck; her cargo sustained very serious damage. The Alona, with a cargo of currants from Madras, wrecked; crew saved. The brigantine Monda, from Hull, laden with a general cargo; crew drowned with the exception of the captain and two men. The brig Mary Ann, of London, from Southampton to Newport, in ballast. Only part of the crew were saved. Shipwrecked.

The Jessie, 120 tons, of Exeter, Captain Mitchell (owner) , bound for Neath from Exmouth , in ballast. Crew are supposed to have been drowned with the exception of the boy. The brig Zouave, Captain Martin from Plymouth to Cardiff in ballast. The crew consisted of nine, and five were lost: the captain was saved. The Cambra, 107 tons, owner, Mr Dixon, of Exeter, Captain Hayman, bound from Exmouth to Port Talbolt with ballast. Crew saved. The schooner Albeona, of Brixham, Captain Hellings; crew saved. The schooner Blue Jacket of Salcombe. The schooner Elizabeth, Lewis from Nantes, France. Vessel lost; no news of crew. The brigantine Horror, from Shields; crew saved. The schooner Thomas and Mary, from Guernsey to Cardiff, laden with potatoes; crew saved. The Cheshire Witch; two of the crew of three were lost. The Britannia, Capt. Citton, drowned. The brig Useful, Captain Voulden, from Shields; crew saved. The Monday, of Hull, 200 tons, Captain Fordyce; total wreck. The crew consisted of eight, and five of them were drowned. The Margaret Ann, 84 tons, Captain Griffiths, wrecked, crew saved. The Ann , of Port Madox, Captain Williams, crew saved, ship wrecked. Tom and Mary, Jersey, Captain Dreland, wrecked, crew saved. Ellen Edward, 140 tons, of Aberdovey, Captain Davis, wrecked, two of the crew consisting of five, were drowned. Captain and mate were saved. Florence of Padstow, the Useful of Blythe, the Tangerine of Brixham, and the Jesse of London arrived in the harbour all safe.

The following ships were disabled and cargoes injured – the barque Stately, 500 tons, from Selina to Waterford, laden with3,500 quarters of Indial Corn, was wrecked at the latter place, and the whole of the cargo lost. The Spanish barque Sanjose, 300 tons, Captain Lopes. She was laden with wines, spirits and cottonfrom Havre to Havannah. The vessel is not greatly damaged, the cargo was taken on shore on Friday, and £200 worth saved.Its total value was £1,700. The Frech brig Neville Antwell, with grain, was wrecked. The value of the cargo was £2,000, and but a small portion of it was saved. The vessel is not greatly damaged.The French brig Pyrame, from St Malo to Newport, laden with meat, but a small portion of which was saved. The men were busily engaged on Friday and Saturday taking the cargo ashore, where it remained for a time under the superintendence of the Torquay Custom officers, Mr. Webb and Mr. Albert Tucker, his assistant. The other vessels were in ballast, and were not, it is supposed, greatly damaged. They were being unladen in order to get them afloat.

The Moslem, the Danube, and another vessel (unknown), with 23 hands on board the three, have not been heard of since Wednesday afternoon, when they were anchored in the bay. It is supposed they are lost. A Welsh vessel lost five hands during the gale.

The Brixham trawlers as follows were lost but their crews were saved: - Telegram, Helen, Providence, Salem, Briton, Grace, Lively, Sky, Earnest, Forerunner, Colonel Buller; a Frech trawler, Belle; crew saved. The number of vessels wrecked and those that sank at their moorings is reported to be upwards of 50, only eleven of them ( and those fishing smacks) belonged to Brixham. A far larger number of the latter craft have been more or less damaged, and consequently some fishermen of the the harbour are likely to be thrown out of employment for a time. Four Brixham men are reported to be drowned, and their respective widows viz., Vittery, Bucknell and four children: Crocker, five children; and Channon are said to be in very poor circumstances. The Rev. J. R. Nankivell (Seamen’s Missionary), Miss Prouse (Honorary Secretary to the Seamen’s Home), Rev. R. F. B. Elrington (incumbent of the parish), Mr.T. Lakeman, and other members of the committee were most indefatigable in their exertions in supplying the wrecked sailors with suitable clothing, and sending them to their several homes during the past week. Nearly the whole (131) if not the whole of the sailors have already been sent away, the greater portion of them to North Shields, the Isle of Wight, North and South Wales, Guernsey, Hull, Jersey, etc.

TREATMENT OF THE WRECKED

Amongst those in the town who threw open their houses for the reception of the distressed were Mr. Charles Cooper, Mr. Gaskings, Mr. Richard Putt, Mr. Popham, Mrs. Popham, etc., and we need hardly say that the poor fellows were most humanely treated. Mr. E.W.Hallet and the Rev.J.Nankivell rendered very valuable service in bringing a number of sailors to the Pir Head in a very exhausted condition.

The great kindness that those who were fortunate enough to get to shore alive – and not a few of them were almost past recovery – received from Miss Prouse, Agent to the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, The Rev.T.R.Nankivell (the seamans missionary), the Rev. Mr. Elrington ( the incumbent of Brixham), those who subsequently acted on the committee and others cannot be overrated. A large room was instantly fitted up for their reception, where they received the utmost attention. Despite the unavoidable confusion that fotr the time prevailed the interests of all were consulted alike. The number of recipients, however, became so great that the accomodation was found to be insufficient, and they were therefore removed to the Assembly Rooms. Every inhabitant seemed struck with feelings of awe at the sad catastrophe, and those who were able to contribute towards the expense thus incurred did so liberally, for within a few hours over £70 was raised, which was soon increased to £100. This sum however, falls far short of the costs incurred as will be seen by the reportabove, and further contributions are earnestly solicited. They may be senteither to Mr. Vittery, banker, Miss Prouse or to the Rev. T.R. Nankivell, Rack House, Brixham.

WANT OF A LIFBOAT

Since the gale, complaints have been made of the great delay that ensued after a telegram had been sent on the Thursday morning to Teignmouth, for the immediate attendance of the Life Boat of the port. The telegraph message was sent about nine o’clock, but owing to Captain Burney refusing to allow the coast guardsmen, who formed a portion of the crew, to row over the Teignmouth bar and across the bay, a delay of something like three hours occurred. The boat eventually was despatched to Torquay by five horses, but by the time it was launched in the bay the gale had so far abated that its services were scaresly nneded, although it landed two or three crews. It is hoped that Brixham, as well as Torquay, seeing the difficulties they are subject to on such trying occassions, will lose no time in commencing a subscription with a view of providing themselves with a life-boat. Could the services of a life-boat have been secured in proper time on the present occasion many who have met with a watery grave would have been saved.

MEETING OF THE RELIEF COMMITTEE

On Saturday the committee appointed for the relief of the distressed etc., consisting of the Re. R.F.B Elrington ( the incumbent of Brixham), the Rev. T.R.Nankivell, T.Lakeman, Esq, Captain Milton (chief officer of the Coast Guards), Captain R.Putt, Rev. T.Whitmarsh, Rev.H Cross, and Messrs. D.H.Bartlett, R.Wakeham, C.Green,T. Prowse, T.Lakeman, jun, E.Vittery (Lloyd’s Agent) met for the purpose of hearing staements respecting the gale and to draw up a report accordingly.

Mr John Bubeer, coastguard officer, stated he was on duty until twelve on the night of the gale. He then went home, but was called again at 12.30. It had been blowing very heavy before. At 12.30 he found the Forerunner on shore at the back of Mr. Dewdney’s, and he and others helped to get the men out. They afterwards ent to Fursham Hill, and thence to Elbury and Broadsands, where they found the paignton coastguards throwing with mortar apparatus ropes to those wrecked a short distance off. As they were foreigners, they did not succeed in making them understand what to do with the rope. At 5.30 he went to Brixham and lent general assistance on the quay. Between 12.00 and 5.30 he saw 15 vessels wrecked between Broadsands and the pier.

Mr. Ezekiel Couch ( coastguardsman) said that he was called out on duty at 12 o’clock in the night. He went to Broadsands to meet the Paignton coastguards. Whilst on his way there he saw a number of vessels drifting by their lights. He fired four shots to signal to the Paignton men. He remained at the Broadsands until they came with the mortar apparatus, about three o’clock. It was blowing quite a gale, so much so that he was scarcely able to stand up.. Having conferred with the Paignton men he went to Brixham. He called to Lieut. Milton’s house and found that the coastguard crew had left. On going to the watch house he found that two Frech vessels had driven against Mr.Dewdney’s Yard. He in the company with other coastguardsmen and others went to their assistance and brought the crews on shore. After taking the men to Popham they went to Overgang, and there he hauled a man, very much exhausted, over the rocks. At daylight he found a schooner and another vessel stranded at the back of the Breakwater. Lieut. Milton confirmed Mr. Crouch’s statement, and added that he counted 35 vessels stranded from Warren Point and the Breakwater, and on the other side, the Broadsands, he had been informed by his men that there were eleven vessels stranded. He believed that many vessels had sunk as he had seen the spars of one or two above the water. He did not consider any sailed out of the bay.

The Rev. T.R.Nankivell (seaman’s missionary) stated that he had counted 64 sail in the bay on Wednesday afternoon. Four or five of those left before the gale came on. The following was a list of casualties during the gale so far as he had been able to gather ;_ The schooner James from Havre-de-Gras, bound to Liverpool, laden with flour, stranded on Goodrington sands; two vessels wrecked between that and Broadsands, seven at Broadsands, one at Warren Point, one at Elbury, one at Fishcombe, two between there and Black Ball, five between Black Ball and the Pier, eight close to and outside the Pier, two inside the harbour, one opposite Mr. Dewdney’s Yard, three outside the Breakwater, eight sunk at anchor, ten riding at anchor after the gale. In addition to these eight trawlers were wrecked. The men belonging to wrecked crews sent away to London and the North were 71, besides 60 went to various parts of Devon and Cornwall and Wales making a total of 131. Those men had been clothed and otherwise provided for at the expense of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society and by the subscriptions raised within the town He concluded further that the Britannia had lost four hands, the Mary Ann three, the Cheshir Witch, three, the Monda, five, the Zoe, six, the Ellen Edwards two, and the Jessie, of Exeter (including the captain) five, and a Hanovarian captain, making a total of twenty nine.

Mr.S. Maye, first mate of the Zoe, stated that between twelve and one o’clock he saw a French brig two or three lengths off, when she suddenly disappeared. He believed she sunk and all hands perished.

Captain William Cox stated that he was on board the Albeona in the place of Captain Hellens, who was on shore. By a “flare-up” made by a vessel about half past two o’clock he was enabled to see a red striped barque driving on shore at Bennwhere. She afterwards went to pieces. Neither she nor the crew had been heard of since. Another schooner as well as the Albeona was lost. The captain of the Zoe was on shore that night, having an old captain, 60 years of age, called Henry Vittery, on board in charge of her. The old captain drowned.

APPEALS FOR AID

In accordance with this and other information a report was drawn up, and embodied in the following letter by Mr. T Lakeman esq., (hon. Sec to the relief fund) to the Mayor of Exeter, and Mr. Shepherd (chairman of the Local Board, Torquay) :-

Sir, - I have been requested by the Shipwrecked Sailors’ Relief Committee to send to you the following statement of the losses sustained in Torbay by the late storm. As far as we have been able to ascertain 62 merchant vessels were in the bay on the night of the 10^th inst., besides tawlers. Of these there were riding in the bay after the strom 10; got into the harbour, 10; wrecked on the coast or sunk in the bay, 42; besides trawlers sunk and wrecked, 8. From what we can learn there were no emigrant ships or vessels carrying more than their own crews; and we think that the average number of crews per ship may be about 7, which makes 294 hands on board of wrecked vessels to be accounted for; and of those there have been clothed, fed , and sent home by the committee with the aid of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, 131; foreigners still remaining at Brixham under the care of consuls, 50; still on board partially wrecked vessels and at work in saving cargo, 40; leaving to be accounted for and supposed to have lost their lives in attempting to get on shore from wrecked vessels, or sunk in the bay, 73. In addition to these there were fishermen drowned belonging to Brixham, 4 – making altogether 77 lives lost. The expense to the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society must be very great, for besides the great expense incurred in caring for, and sending home so many men, it is to be supposed that there will be many widows and orphans thrown upon them by this catastrophe. There has been a suscription raised in Brixham which amounted to about £100, but it is thought that the claims of the committee far exceed the amount, for besides contibuting to the relief of the distressed sailors beyond what is allowed by the Shiwrecked Mariners’ Society, there are three widows and eleven orphans of the Brixham fishermen , and about thirty men and ten boys were thrown out of employment by the loss of their vessels, who have also lost all their clothes. The estimated loss of property in ships and cargo, is from £150,000 to £200,000. Contributions in aid of the distressed, would be thankfuly received by Mr. Edward Vittery, banker, Brixham, who is treasurer to the relief fund. T.LAKEMAN.

The following account is given by the Rev. R. Fenwick Elrington, incumbent of Lower Brixham, the chairman of the relief committee, in a letter to the Times on Jan 14^th: - We find that there was certainly 62 sail in the Bay when the gale came on, and of these there were riding in the Bay after the storm 10, in the harbour,10, wrecked on the coast or foundered in the Bay, 42. There were besides eight trawl sloops sunk or wrecked. From all we can learn there were no emigrant ships, or vessels carrying more than their own crews, and we have therefore taken seven as the average per ship, which gives 294 hands on board the wrecked, and of these there have been clothed, fed and sent home 131. Foreigners still remaining in Brixham under care of Consuls 50, still on board of partially wrecked vessels and at work in saving cargoes, 40 – total 221, leaving 73 who are supposed to have lost their lives, also four fishermen of Brixham, making a total of 77. From the accounts of wrecks along the coast we imagine that the valuable society which provides for shipwrecked mariners will not be able to meet such heavy demands, and therefore we should be most anxious to be able to place funds at their disposal for those sent from this port, and towards the expense of widows and orphans who may be thrown upon them by this sad catastrophe. there has been a subscription raised in Brixham, which at present amounts to a little over £100. But as yet we have had little time to do much in the way of collection, our whole time has been taken up in attending to the poor fellows who were cast on shore without a rag to their backs. The scene here baffles all description, and the crowds who have flocked here have been astonished at the sight. Just outside our pier, within 300 yards, lie 11 vessels in one undistinguishable mass. In one corner there wer seven vessels jumbled up in small pieces in a few minutes, and yesterday the men were walking overr a wide space of floating wrecks which might have been taken for the clearings of a shipwrights yard. The masters we have consultedall give it as their opinion that no sailing vessels got out of the bay, but yesterday heard the the Alma schooner did beat out, and got into Exmouth Bight much damaged. We should be happy to hear if any others wereso fortunate. We have four widows of fishermen and 13 orphans left, and, owing to the losss of eight trawlers and the damage to nearly all the rest of the fleet, many men will be out of work for some time. About 30 men and 10 boys lost their clothes. The estimate loss of property in ships ans cargoes is from £150,000 to £200,000. – Mr .s Browse, Honorary Agent of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, London, writes as follows to Mr. Francis Lean, the secretary of the society. “ Sixty-four vessels were in Torbay on the 10^th; on the afternoon of the 11^th only 12 or 14; four were in the harbour. The whole, with the exception of these, have become total wrecks. Many of the crews swam on shore with scarcely any clothing. I have given already passes to 35 men. A great many are still in the farmers’ barns, to come by us by-and-by. The inhabitants have come forward nobly, and already £70 has been promised. Ninety men were housed in the public rooms last evening, besides the public-houses full; breakfast committees were formed so they have all been comfortably fed. This morning since I commenced my letter, 69 have received passes to their homes. I regret to say that we know of 23 having been drowned.” – William Kemp, on behalf of the crew, 15 in number, of the barq Stately, lost on Broadsands, Torbay, has also written, expressing their gratitude for the kind treatment they received.

FINDING BODIES

Five bodies in a state of nudity have been washed on the shore, one on Friday, and the other (supposed to be George Hunger, of the ship Zoe) on Saturday, and a third (identified as being Wm. Stanley) was discovered by Mr. Charles King on Sunday morning at Elbury, and the last on Monday. The body of that of a healthy looking seafaring man, about five feet seven inches high, and had dark brown hair and wiskers; the latter were long, but his moustache was clipped close. The only article of dress was one boot. They were removed to the ols Workhouse, Higher Brixham, to await a coroner’s inquest. Another body , making the fifth, was picked up on Wednesday near Elbury. It is considered to be that of a foreigner.

An inquest of four of the bodies which have been recovered was held by R.R.Crosse, Esq., coroner (acting for F.B Cuming, Esq.,) at the Town Arms Inn, Higher Brixham, on Tuesday. Mr. J. Tyler, ship owner, was the foreman of the jury. The bodie, which were in ahigh state of decomposition, were fearfully lacerated and bruised, and presented a very shocking appearance. Only one of the bodies was identified that being the body of George Hunger, able seaman on board the Zoe. Mr Samuel Maye, mate on board that vessel identified the body. He said that the deceased jumped overboard with the view of swimming on shore.- The coroner referred in affecting terms to the sad event. He thought there could be no doubts as to how the deceased came to their death, as a large number of bodies was likely to wash on shore be considered there would be no necessity for holding any further inquests, unless there should be connected with them any fresh facts. – The jury then, in accordance with the direction of the coroner, returned a verdit of accidental death in each case.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Since the gale, it has been reported at Brixham and elsewhere, that a captain of a wrecked vessel who got ashore, was refused admittance by Mr. R Dugdall, the lanlord of the Maratime Inn, on applying there for shelter. This, we are informed, was not the case.

The owner of one of the ships arrived at Brixham on Wednesday and offered £50 for the recovery of the body of the capyain belonging to the ship, who drowned. The town, ever since the sad event, has been in the greatest state of excitement; and on Friday and Saturday thousands of gentry and others from the neighbourhood round visited the scenes of the wrecks, both at the Pier and at Broadsands.

Notwithstanding the inclement state of the weather on Sunday several thousand persons visited the wrecks at Broadsands and Brixham Pier. So numerous were the passengers at Torbay to travel to Brixham by the first train that the dozen carriages were insufficient to convey them. A great number therefore had to put up with the inconvenience of travelling in horse boxes. At Broadsands, one poor fellow named Brooks, porter to Mr. Wreford, glass and china merchant of Torquay , in attempting to fetch a friend’s hat, fell over a very high cliff and sustained serious injury. He had to be conveyed home.