The Sun.
London, England, 1838-09-10 00:00:00

WRECK OF A STEAM-BOAT.

(From the Gateshead Observer of last Saturday.)
Since the publication of our first edition, intelligence has
reached us of the wreck of the Fotfarshire steamboat. The
rumours abroad on the subject are various and contradietm-y ;
but the following narrative, which has been obligingly for.,
warded to us by express, may, we believe, be confidently relied
on as substantially true :
The Forfarshire steamer, from Hull to Dundee, John
Humble, master, (late master of the Neptune of the Tyne,)
yesterday morning struck upon the " Long Stone" or " Outer
Fern Island." She had proceeded as usual to Barnborough
Head, when the pumps ceased to be able to keep water
in the boiler. This was on Thursday morning, at four
o'clock, the day after she left Hull. Both deck-pumps
were set on, but the crew were forced to draw out two of
the furnaces, lest they should injure the boiler. Two hours
afterwards the furnaces were again lighted, and the vessel
proceeded, deck and engine pumps going. At eight o'clock
of the same morning, the wind increased with great violence
from N. N.E., the vessel being nearly abreast of Berwick. The
leak in the boiler began to increase. The deck pumps wet-7.
new unable to clear the boiling water, and the fireman unable
to fire her. At 11 PH , she bore up nearly as far as St
Abb's Head. At one o'clock yesterday morning the engineer
reported the engine would no longer work. The fore and aft
sails were then set to draw her off the land. The rain was
heavy, and the wind tremendous, bowing her leeward ; and
from the fog they were unable to perceive the lights until they
were,,dawn upon them. An attempt was made to near on the
Other tack, to try to inula her between the Fern Islands, to the
westwatd, but she refused the guidance of her helm, and at
three yesterday morning fell broadside upon " The Long
Stone." A few minutes previous to her striking, some of the
crew came aft, and lowered the larboard quarter boat down.
and were pushing off, when the mate at the helm, believing all
chance gone of saving the vessel or their lives on board, swung
himself into the same boat. They then drifted to the south, and
were picked up last night, and brought into Shields by a Mon-
trose sloop. They have scarcely any hope of the passengers
and remainder of the crew (to the number of 41) being able to
save their lives. It is, however, reported at Shields, this
morning, that the steamer was seen yesterday lying high
and dry upon the rocks. If so, it is to be hoped that many
valuable lives may have been saved from a watery grave.
Since receiving the above, a correspondent has supplied
us with the following gratifying intelligence :
A gentleman, who has just returned from North Sunder-
land, states that the Follarshire was seen yesterday on the rock
called the " Great Hawker," near the above place. A boat
had gone to the relief of the passengers, but had not returned
Thethe passengers
news
of
the wouldwre e
kb be
has go
created
r ashoreeated
great i n
fe
excitementty.
in this
when our informant left. About 12 or 14 persons, however,
were safely landed on the rock ; and it was expected the whole
of
district, and much painful.. anxiety is felt for further intelli-
gence, which,
we hope, will confirm the expectation of the
rescue of all the passengers.