The Wreck of the "Royal Charter": Compiled from Authentic Sources, with Some Original Matter — John Shaqi
The Wreck of the "Royal Charter": Compiled from Authentic Sources, with Some Original MatterFowler, Frank
History
The Wreck of the "Royal Charter": Compiled from Authentic Sources, with Some Original Matter
Fowler, Frank
Royal Charter (Ship); Shipwrecks -- Wales -- Anglesey
'When the vessel broke, an awful shriek--the death-cry of
hundreds--was heard above the violence of the storm. On shore, the
villagers and the sailors who had escaped unhurt linked hands, and
the bravest stepped into the surf to catch hold of those whom the
waves bore towards them on their crests, before they were drawn back
into the sea. Foremost in one link was George Suaicar, and he was
instrumental in laying hold of nine out of those rescued, until
exhausted, he fell senseless on the rock, and was borne away.
William Foster was another who joined in forming the link. The
vessel struck finally about seven, and broke about nine o'clock. On
board were the officers of three vessels coming from Australia, and
they, with the captain and officers of the ill-fated "Royal
Charter," were all lost.'
The George Suaicar, thus honourably mentioned, speaks for himself with
the modesty of a brave sailor. His position on the ship was that of
boatswain's mate. His testimony has special value as bearing upon the
earlier passages of the tragedy:--
'On Monday,' he says, assuming a staid, log-book form, 'we left
Queenstown in the afternoon, after putting some passengers on board
the pilot-boat "Petrel," who desired to be landed. We proceeded on
with calm weather and water smooth. We made Ballycotton Light at
half-past seven P.M.; and Youghal Light, on the Irish coast, at
half-past eight. Reached the Menay Light at nine; made the Nook
Light in half an hour; and sighted Tuskar at about half-past eleven
o'clock. On Tuesday morning saw Bardsey, at which time the wind
began to freshen. The wind heading, we took in the square-sails; and
at ten o'clock A.M., the wind increasing, took in all the fore and
aft sails. In the afternoon made Holyhead at half-past one, and at
half-past four were right ahead of Holyhead harbour. Could see the
steamship "Great Eastern." Off Bardsey the steam-tug "United
Kingdom" came alongside and handed on board some newspapers, asking
if we would give a free passage to eleven riggers, as we were going
to Liverpool, and the tug was not going until she got a tow. The
riggers were taken on board. At a quarter to eight on Tuesday
evening were abreast of the Skerries, distant about a mile and a
half. At this time the wind had increased to a heavy gale, and the
ship was making little or no progress in the water. She was driving
up with the strength of the tide, and nearing the shore; the steam
had no effect, but we did all to keep the ship off. The maintopsail
was lowered, but she still drifted. Clewed up the maintopsail, and
the hands were sent up to furl it. The wind had now increased
considerably, almost blew the sail from the yard, and it became
entangled on the starboard side. It was difficult to get the sail
stowed. At this time Mr. Bean, the third officer, with several
seamen and myself, were trying to make the sail fast, but could not
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