The San Francisco call., 1896-10-07
WAS PICKED UP
IN A DENSE FOG
The Ship Kelburn Was
Making Port Under
Full Sail.
A Chapter of Accidents During
the Long and Boisterous
Round Voyage.
VESSELS WRECKED AT ALTATA.
Two San Francisco Vessels and a
German Barkentine Among
the Numb
VESSELS WRECKED AT ALTATA.

The British ship Kelburn came in
through the fog yesterday. Tugs were
out in plenty, but not one of them saw
the big vessel until the Alert ran across
her by accident. The Kelburn hove up
in moment and the tug had to go full
speed astern in order to avoid collision.
Once hailed, Captain Jones of the Brit
isher did not hesitate about taking tow,
and soon after noon his vessel was at
anchor in the bay.
The Kelburn had an unusually disas-
trous voyage. While lying in Newcastle,
Australia, Captain Jones broke his leg
and was laid up for several months. On
August s last the vessel was caught in an
unusually heavy gale and the cross seas
caused the ship to roll and pitch in ter
rife manner. John Anderson and John
Harvey we're on the mizzentopsail yard
reefing when an unusually heavy lurch
threw Harvey against Johnson. They
both lost their hold, and while Johnson
went overheard Harvey fell to the deck.
The former was never seen again and
Harvey only survived his injuries twelve
hours: Anderson was native of Sweden,
aged 46 years, and Harvey was a native of
the United States, aged 81 years.
The .Kelburn is coal-laden, and after
discharging will take in a cargo of wheat
for Europe.
private letter received by Captain
Olsen, owner of the schooner Rebecca
gives the information that another dis
aster has occurred in the Gulf of Cali
fornla. The details are meager, but it
appears that the town of Altata has been
wiped out and the schooners Rebecca and
Cometa of this port and the German
barkentine Helena are total losses. On
the last occasion it was tidal wave that
did all the damage, but this time it was a
hurricane, which swept down on the town
ship and left only one house standing.
The letter says that the damage was done
prior to September Is, but as 1t was writ
ten in hurry, in order to reach San
Francisco as quickly as possible, no de-
tails were given.
The Rebecca and Cometa were well
known in this port, the latter being one of
the smartest vessels of her class ahoat
She was built by Turner at Benicia, and
was especially designed for service in
Central America.
The British ship Blairgowrie, Captain
Mansen, got in from Newcastle, N. S. W.,
yesterday in ffty-three days, the fastest
trip made this season. The last time the
vessel was here Captain Dark was in COM
mand, but when he retired Captain Man
sen took command. 1t is thirteen years
gowrie was in San Francisco.
The America got in from Prince Will
liams Sound yesterday with So, 900 cases of
salmon. While in Alaska the mate fell
from aloft and broke seven of his ribs He
has not yet fully recovered from his in
juries. The Americas cargo is the largest
consignment of salmon that has come to
San Francisco this season.
The Coryphene had narrow escape in
the fog yesterday. The wind fell light
and the vessel nearly drifted ON Point
Reyes before Captain Grant could get
steerage way on her. Later a tug hove in
sight, but the captain declined tow and
elected to sail in. When the Santa Clara
returns from her trip to Australia Captain
Grant will take command of her and some
one else will take the Coryphene.
The revenue cutters Perry and Richard
Rush, the former from Astoria and the,
latter from Sitka, got in yesterday. The
Corwin got in some days ago, and with the
arrival of the Bear the entire feet will be
here for the winter. The Rush brings the
news that the schooner Sitka, seized for
illegal sealing, has been condemned and
ordered sold. The case will probably De
appealed to the United States treasury.
Captain Dan Haskell, the well-known
and popular master of the big tug Fea-
less, was yesterday given the appointment
as pilot, and will PROBABLY take office the
first OF next month, or as soon as the tug
boat com pany can spare him. As tow
boat master Captain Haskell has been one
OF the most successful in San Francisco.
His long search after the Honresfeld will
be long remem bered, while the number of
disabled vessels he has towed into port
are legion. For years he has been one of
the Spreckes tugboat company's most
trusted employees, and also one of the most
popular men on the water front. All and
sundry join in wishing Captain Haskell
success in his new undertaking. Captain
Trask, who retired from the office, could
not have more worthy successor.
The Harbor Commissioners did not hold
a meeting yesterday. President Colnon
was back from Eureka, but as Commits
sioner Cole was in the country, and Com
missioner Chad bourne in the East, there
was no quorum. Probably session of
the board will be held tomorrow.
The French bark Jules Verne arrived
last nj ht from Newcastle, N. S. W., LA
days out. She had an unusually long
passage, owing to strong head winds, high
seas and calms.