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The Blackbird was wrecked on Bherwerre Beach, in Wreck Bay, in the Shoalhaven District on the South Coast of New South Wales in 1836.
Sydney Morning Herald, 25th of January 1836:
“THE BLACKBIRD - We regret to hear of a serious accident to the Blackbird schooner, belonging to our industrious townsman, Mr. W.H. Chapman [ aslo an Auctioneer, owner of Yarranbandinni Station]], of which the following are the particulars. On Monday, the 11th instant, the schooner started for the wreck of the Hive, for the purpose of saving the stores and other articles left ashore: Captain Nutting, Mr. Chapman, Mr. Osmond, and about twelve men going in the vessel. The wind blew strong from the southward, and the Blackbird did not reach Jervis Bay until the 15th, when an anchor was let go in about ten fathoms of water, within about two miles of the beach, upon which lay the wreck of the Hive. The weather was remarkably fine at this time with very little surf, and the whaleboats were hoisted out for business. The boats continued to work to and from the shore with the principal part of the provisions and other stores, and made twenty-two trips during the day. The little vessel was getting fast loaded, and everything seemed to be proceeding prosperously, when the men came on board for the night. At about nine P.M. a sudden gust of wind from the southward came on, which terminated in a violent gale. The schooner commenced drifting, and an attempt was made, without the slightest success, to get the vessel under weigh; but she continuing to drive in upon the beach, another anchor was let go which held for about half an hour, when the first cable went, and was followed almost instantaneously by the second, taking along with it the windlass. At this time the night was extremely dark, the wind blew a hurricane, attended with rain, thunder, and lightning, and the sea was amking a complete breach over the schooner - all on board expecting nothing else than death, for it was so dark, that the situation of the shore could not be strictly defined. The vessel appeared to be getting into broken water, shipped several heavy seas; the whale boat which was made fast to the vessel, also broke adrift. To save the lives of those on board, it was found necessary to throw overboard very portable article, the sails were furled, the fore-top-gallant yard and main-top-mast struck, and the yards pointed to the wind. The appearance of the gale abating, it was thought advisable, as a last hope, to make as much sail as possible, and run her ashore, which was done. The vessel, after striking several times on the sand, and the surf making clean breeches over the schooner, (all on board expecting to be swept away) at half-past two, the whole of the cargo was thrown overboard, and the Blackbird fortunately carried up high on the beach, out of danger. At daylight the vessel was dismantled, and Mr. Chapman and Captain Nutting returned to Sydney by land, leaving the Captain of the schooner and the other persons in charge.”
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