Page:Item 10 1862.pdf/138

which had been predicted was making its appearance in such manner as to endanger the safety of two colliers, the William and the Louise, which the writer thought and said at the time, imprudently came ashore. The William was beached at Hastings, and the Louise at St. Leonards. The former, after much exertion and some damages, was made secure, but the Louise - an unfortunate vessel from the first - became a wreck. Her cargo had been got out during the night, and she had been ballasted for another voyage, but the on-coming gale had reached her from the south, and it was impossible to get her off. Stong head-ropes and other means were therefore resorted to for her security during the storm, but after a good deal of knocking about, some of the ropes gave way and the vessel fell over on her beam ends and there lay until the waves with terrific force, tore away her masts and rigging, when she again righted, to the surprise of those who were watching her destruction. As may be supposed, most of the loose materials capable of floating, were washed out, and it caused some amusement to see the boatmen, with ropes secured to their waists, wading in the foaming tide to recover them. The crew remained on board as long as it was considered safe, and were drawn through the surf by means of ropes fastened round the waist. In this operation, a lad was in some danger, either from his own timidity, or from the too slow movements of those on shore. They were all, however landed safely. The boat belonging to the vessel became a wreck, and the Louise herself sustained damage amounting it was thought to two or three hundred pounds. The vessel was owned by Mr. C. T. How and others.