STRANDING OF THE CITY OF ADELAIDE.

We are sorry at having to report that, driven by the seven westerly gale, which lasted during Sunday night, Messr. Devitt & Moore's regular liner, the fine favourite ship City of Adelaide, 791 tons, has gone ashore on Kirkcaldy Beach, between Henley Beach and the Semaphore. The vessel was built with an iron frame, planked at Sunderland under special survey in 1864, for her present London owners, specially with a view to her regular employment in the Australian trade, and the has made excellent passages. Well loaded with cargo, and she has invariably had a good complement of passengers.

On the present voyage she left London on May 29, under the charge of Captain Bowen, with a large number of assisted immigrants, besides cabin passengers, whose names appear below:—
Lieutenant and Mrs. Mackenzie, nurse, and child, Miss Inman, Mrs. Rogers, Mr. Millard, Miss Nash, Dr. Campbell, Mrs. Campbell, and two Misses Campbells, Mr. [sic] G. Wilcox and four children, Mr. Jas. Mitchell, and Mr. and Mrs. Dunk and infant, in the saloon.

The South Australian Register, Monday 31 August 1874 p. 4

Stranding of the immigrant ship City of Adelaide, near Port Adelaide. 
Date(s) of creation: October 3, 1874.
print : wood engraving.
Reproduction rights owned by the State Library of Victoria
Accession No: A/S03/10/74/108
Image No: b49948

CITY OF ADELAIDE, from London- 201casks, 190 cases, 3,581 pkgs., 12 octaves, 37 trunks, 34 bales, I hhd, 275 sacks salt, 2 bale's, 15 brls.

Per City Of Adelaide, from London
For Robin and Birks— 80 cases.
For Good, Toms, and Co.— 9 cases drapery.
For A. Cunningham— 5 cases merchandise.
For Donaldson, Andrews, and Sharland — 97pkgs. ,
For P. Cumming and Son — 15 cases.
For G. and R. Wills, and Co.— 47 cases, 2bales, 6 trunks.
ForD. and W. Murray— 584 pkgs.
For Mayneld and Son— 2 bales.
For F. H. Faulding and Co.— 42 pkgs.
For J. Ballantyne— 15 pkgs.
For W. and J. Storrie-20 pkgs.
For W. andT. Rhodes— 48 household lockstich hand sewing-machines, 1 bale paper, 1bdL handles.

On Monday morning we dispatched a Special Reporter to the vessel, whose distance from Adelaide is about five miles, and part of the sub-joined information appeared in Monday's Journal. The spot where she lies is on Kircaldy Beach, about a quarter of a mile on the Semaphore side of the opening of Leason's road. At first sight the vessel, which had all her sails furled, and appeared in perfect order, seemed to be quite motionless, but a closer view shoved that she was gradually working herself into the sand. The male passengers thronged the deck, but the distance was just too far for speaking communication in such a high wind, being about 150 or 200 yards.
The starboard anchor was in its place, but, from the absence of the anchor on the other side and the broken tackle hanging from her bows, it is supposed the vessel while riding at anchor broke her cable and was driven ashore by the violence of the gale. The first intimation of the disaster appears to have been noticed in Queenstown, where some residents saw rockets about 4 o'clock a.m. At daylight of course the stranded vessel was seen from the Semaphore, and her masts from all the surrounding locality.
A number of persons hastened to the beach, and later in the day there were several hundreds, including a few friends of the passengers. John Thomas, a lumper [lumper = a day laborer employed to handle cargo], very pluckily swam off to the vessel, and would have boarded her but that he was forbidden, being informed that there was fever on board.
No further particulars were given, and so Thomas, who had performed the feat with great bravery, returned to the shore.
Police-constable Allchurch thereupon dispatched a trooper to Port Adelaide for Dr. Duncan, the Health Officer. In the meantime there was no means of communication between the people on shore and those in the vessel, except when the latter sent missives, as they did, by means of bottles, and in the latter part of the day these came pretty fast.
One of the first was as follows:—'Ship City of Adelaide left London May 29, 1874; left Plymouth June 6, with immigrants to the number of about 300 souls. Has had a favourable passage. We leave the readers to judge our present position.
Tonnage, 791 tons.' Messages were also sent in the same way intimating that Patrick Fitzgerald and Chas. Pate were quite well. Another message intimated that Michael Mullins and his mother were quite well, and wished that information to be conveyed to Mr. John Mullins, of Kensington. In the afternoon several other documents were floated ashore. Amongst them were the following:— From Thos. Holley to John Searle or James Trip (Moonta Mines), saying that he (Holley) with his wife and five children, in company with the wife's brother and eldest sister's son and wife, were on board; also for John Phillips, from his wife and child; for R. Burton, Port Adelaide, from his wife, saying she was quite well ; from Annie Dorin, to her mother and friends; from Pat Guning (County Meath) to Mr. Pulford, Port Railway Station, saying his niece was safe; also messages to William Harris, William Roe, and stealed letters addressed to J. Bryant, boot maker, Union-street; and Mr. Williamson (care of Mr. Campbell), Crompton-street, off Gouger street, Adelaide. Mr. William Roe, or Thomas A. Peake, of Rundle-street, were informed that ' E. P. is quite well, and the steamers are coming to-morrow to tow us off.' The last message opened ran thus: —'My dear friends— We wish we could get to you, but we cannot. Our ship is in the sand six feet, and they cannot move it. We cast anchor last night, but the wind blew so that it broke the chain and we lost the anchor, and we were forced to go, but we hope we shall get safe to Adelaide now, so we bid you good night, and hope we shall see you tomorrow so as we can speak to you. There were numbers of people on the beach during the whole day gathered from all quarters. The ship was almost broadside on, and the faces were discernible through a glass. One or two passengers and their friends on shore recognized each other; but as messages could only be transmitted from the ship to shore, but not vice versa, no satisfactory communication could be had, and those who were most interested were looking anxiously for the report of the Harbour-Master and Health Officer, who started in the Eleanor for Port Adelaide at about 3 o'clock. The ship's crews were engaged during the afternoon in taking down sails and tackling. The main deck of the vessel was thronged with the assisted immigrants, who watched with interest the picking up of the various bottle missives. These were, as far as possible, taken care of by the agent of Messrs. Harrold Brothers, who was down at the beach both morning and afternoon. The messages and letters may be seen at their office by those to whom they are of interest. The police-troopers who were dispatched to the scene early in the morning by Chief Inspector Searcy have made arrangements to stay on the beach during the night in case anything should require their services. Owing to the continuance of the high wind the tide receded very little on Monday; but it is said that if the weather were calm a person could walk out to the vessel. She is in about five or six feet of water at high tide and something like an equal depth in the sand.
The following is from our Shipping Reporter:—
When Monday morning broke there was a heavy gale sweeping over the Gulf, and the sea which rolled in on the eastern shore was rather too heavy for prudent men to venture boats afloat. As the day dawned it was seen that a large ship was ashore below the Stations. The President of the Marine Board and the agent of the ship wore soon apprised of the fact, and the result was the early charter of the Eleanor to proceed thither to render all possible assistance. Outside the bar the heavy seas from the west-ward scattered the spray over the tug, and everybody sought the shelter of the oil case.
Down the Gulf at half speed wetted the steamer's decks considerably; but soon after passing the Craigendarroch at anchor the sea became positively ugly, as heavy rollers from the westward showed that the beach boats would be of little service in such a sea. The nautical talent on board the Eleanor arranged to anchor and drop down for a line, to follow which a good hawser would have assisted in towing the vessel off. It was very nearly high water, and there then arose a question of salvage or not, but the agents' representative being on board this difficulty was soon got over. A matter of more real difficulty was how to get the hawser across. Fortunately the Margaret just then came round the Point, and headed down for the ship like a good water sprite, which she certainly was, as she got into the outer breakers, and for an instant was enveloped in a crowd of surf. She ranged up and took the hauling line, dropped down on the City's port quarter, and after some trouble got the line on board. Occasionally the heavier seas would roll in till the launch was out of sight, but after awhile a line was passed on board. The exultation, however, was only of momentary duration, as the propellers got fouled, and the little steamer was obliged to anchor, or rather to hold on to the Eleanor's line. While this little episode was going on the tug began her tow, and properly stretched out the beautiful new hawser passed from her stern. The wash of the paddles outside the break made a kind of passage, and though hemmed in on either aide, the Harbour Master and our Shipping Reporter ventured in the steamer's boat, and after some careful navigation the City's side was reached, and an earnest welcome accorded. The steam tug towed hard as the tide approached high water, but it was very evident the City had made such a bed for herself that unless after extensive lighterage she would not come off.

The report of the voyage from England shows the ship left Plymouth on June 6, and on getting away south the north-east trade. were brisk and pleasant. On June 29 crossed the Line in 30 long., and the passage of the south-east trade was moderate and fine. On July 7 sighted the Isle of Trinidad, and soon after had a very heavy gale. On July 26 crossed the prime meridian in 44° south lat. On crossing the Southern Ocean fine breezes prevailed, only interspersed with a couple of gales, during which the ship was hove-to for 48 hours. Cape Leuwin was passed on the 16th August, and Cape Borda on Sunday morning. The ship then reached up the Gulf, until on Sunday evening she was well up for Yankalilla, but on account of the force of wind was under lower topsails and foretopmast staysail At 1 o'clock Glenelg light was sighted, and a course shaped for the anchorage, when without previous warning the wind suddenly shifted to N.N.W., and the ship consequently broke off.
The lead, which was constantly going, showed she was approaching the eastern shore, and every possible exertion was made to get commanding sail on. Suddenly the land was perceived in such proximity that there was no alternative but to anchor. The port anchor was let go, but parted cable at 30 fathoms, and without further warning the ship stranded, the last cast being half three. To ease her sails were clewed up and furled, and finding there was no immediate apprehension no boats were launched, as there was a heavy rolling surf alongside. It is believed that the ship will come off at high tide, but not without considerable expense, seeing it will be necessary to completely discharge and dismantle her. Every exertion is being made to push forward the operation of lightering, so that the present tides may be taken advantage of, which will be at their spring about Thursday next. Some citizens who have friends on board were disappointed that no attempt was made to get them landed on Monday. Although the vessel may be safe in moderate weather, it is hard to say how she would fare if it should be as tempestuous as it has been known. The following information was telegraphed to Mr. S. Cornish, of Harrold Brothers, by the Port agents of the firm—' City cannot be got off unless all cargo discharged and ship dismantled. Now making necessary arrangements for lighterage. Eight cases scarlet fever on board. Have got Duncan to allow all convalescent passengers to land.

Steamer goes for them to-morrow (Tuesday) noon, with lighter. Mitchell quite well. The following is a list, as furnished by Dr. W.M. Campbell, of the names of those of the passengers who died during the voyage: 
Mary Ann Morgan, nine months, died 17th June;
Alinda Phillips, five years, died 21st June;
Bridget Myres, 24 years, died 27th June;
Ellen Flannery, 26 years, died 1st July;
Mary Thomson, 22 months, died 30th June;
Ada Dunk, nine months, died 4th August;
and Michael Fitzgerald, 23 years, 21st August.
There was also one child born dead.

The following is a list of the immigrants:—
Arnold, Joseph, 33 ; Jane, 29; Joseph, 5 ;
Arthur, James, 35; Ellen, 35; Jane, 9; James, 8; Ellen, 6; Edith, 4; Alexander, 3; Mary, infant;
Beswick, Edward, 32; Jane, 31;
Burton, Charles, 36; Emma, 30;
Culley, Abram, 38; Rosina, 32;
Edwards, Wm., 33; Sophia, 20;
Fulton, John, 33; Jane, 31; Agnes, 11; Jane, 3; Margt., 1; Cath., infant;
Greenwood, Henry, 30; Isabella, 29; Mary E, 4;
Haaze, Wilhelm, 30; Auguste, 21; Anna, 7; Pauline, 3;
Morrell, James, 25; Susan, 28; Annie, 3; Cecilia, 2; Louis, 5; Agnes, infant;
Thompson, William H., 26; Emma, 27; Elizabeth J., infant;
Thomson, Andrew, 25; Bertha, 25; Elizabeth, 6; Robert, 3; Mary, 1;
Thomson, William, 44; Anne E., 46; Edith, 11; Alfred 10; Fred., 6; Sarah, 5;

Andrews, W. J., 14; Anderson, Stephen, 21; James, 22; Bester, George, 20; Barr, Neil, 26; Cromarty, William, 22; Frew, Alexander, 25; Fairbrother, Henry, 27; Frame, James, 25 ; Greenwood, John, 27 ; Gravestocke, Thomas, 18; Knowles, Thomas, 37; Kemp, George H., 18; McLeod, Malcolm, 24; Middleton, William, 20; McDonald, Jno., 22; Miller, Hunter, 18; McLauchlan, James, 21; Norling, Charles, 23; Preston, Wm., 26; Pate, Chas., 19; Paulin, Hy. D., 24; Rae, James, 28; Smith, Robt., 22; Shields, William, I9; Shields, Robert, 38; John, 13; Smither, Chas. F. 19; Smith, John F., 17; Salter, Hy. W., 20; Thompson, Geo. W., 17; Jonathan, 14; Vinten, Arthur, 17;

Arthur, Margaret, 13; Blackburn, Mary, 31; Burton, Isabella, 29; Batiste, Ann, 62; Minnie, 22; Carr, Florence, 18  Doran, Anne, 17 ; Mason, Elizabeth P., 42; Shields, Agnes, 60; Hannah, 30; Agnes, 20; Agnes, 14; Jane, 11; Catherine, 9 ; Elizabeth, 9; Sneddon, Mary,19; Williamson, Barbara, 24 ; Woods, Kate, 25; Wale, Charlotte, 40;

Thompson, Andrew, 22; Willis, Matilda, 56; Goward, Maria, 40; Wilson, Matthew, 23; David, 10;

Andrew, Henry, 20; Ann, 21;
Briant, John, 22; Elizabeth, 23;
Benetta, Wm., 24; Emma, 28;
Dorrans, Alexander, 33; Sarah, 29;
Giles, Jas.,32; Fanny, 32;
Gurry, Pat., 32;Christina, 24 ; Eliza, infant;
Henderson, James, 24; Letitia, 33;
Holley, Thos., 43;Harriet, 35; Minnie, 11 ; Bessie, 9; Harry, 6; Fred., 4 ; Amelia. 2;
Harman, Jno., 62 ;Louisa, 62;
Hocking, John, 22: Annie, 22;
Johnson. Hy., 39; Sarah, 39 : Edith, 10; Geo.10;
Ladner, John, 22; Mary, 18; Mary, A. infant;
Morgan, Thos., 19; Harriet, 20;
Mitchell, Isaac, 22: Elizabeth, 21;
Nankivell, Wm., 34; Margt., 33;
Neylan, Michael, 30; Margt., 30 ; Thos., 10; Mary, 8; Margt.. 5; Ann, 2;
Olds, Wm., 27;. Emily, 28;
Richards, Wm., 29; Phillis, 34; John, 8;
Rose, Wm., 34; Harriet, 32: Harriet, 6; Wm., 4; Louisa, 2;
Riordan, Patrick, 35; Ellen, 24: Cornelius, 2;
Williams, Richard, 33; Emily, 34; Mary, 11; Richard, 8; John, 6; Bessie, 5; Emily, 2 ; Jane, infant ;

Berriman. Richard, 21 ; Broad, Edward, 19; Bland, Patrick, 34; Baxter, Wm., 17; Buckley, John, 20; Collins, Martin, 24; Collins, John, 20; Crowley, Joseph, 28 ; Corniskey, John 27 ; Carroll, Michael, 16; Cain, Patrick, 17: Davey, Jno., 25; Doherty, Robt, 20; Eddy, Richard, 24; Ellis, Jno, 23; Fahy, Michael, 17; Flannery, Wm., 18; Fitzgerald, Pat., 24. Michael, 23 ; Giles, Thos., 20; Hocking. Jno., 21 ; Barman, Samuel, 23; Hollywood, Peter, 15 ; Johns, Isaac, 18 ; Kerslake, Thomas, 19; Kealey, Thomas, 24; Lahave, Pat., 25; Maddern, Martin, 21; McCabe, Michael, 26; Mooney, Wm., 23; Mullins, Michael, 18; Mahoney, Jeremiah, 18; Laurence, 13; John; 29 ; O'Donnelly, Pat., 36; Quinlan, James, 15 ; Sadlier, Pat., 20; Stevens, Wm., 24; Searle; Wm., 32; Uren, Henry, 21; Willoughby, B., 22;

Bryant, Juliana, 24; Burge, Eliza, 20, Cornelius, Jane 44; Cath., 19; Joseph, 17; Mary, 14; Emily, 11; Wm., 9; Louisa, 7; Collings, Anne, 20; Collins, Mary, 19; Dillon, Mary, 22;. Dalley, Mary, 32; Flannery, Ellen, 26; Fitzgerald, Mary, 20; Fenelly, Johanna, 24; Grenfell, Cordelia, 27; Gurry, Ann, 17; Morley, Helena,  18; Myers, Bridget, 24; Mitchell, Mary, 45; Alice, 13; Jemima, 11; Sampson, 9; William, 7; Mitchell, Mary, 22; Bessie, 20: Mclnnery, Margaret, 18; Margaret, 17; Catherine, 15; Maher, Catherine, 30: Mullins, Mary,  48; O'Hara, Rose, 35; Peake, Ellen, 19; Phillips, Eliza, 28; Albert, 7; Alinda, 5; Ryan, Catherine, 23; Rowe, Elizabeth, 61; Martha, 36; Stevens, Ellen, 20; Mary J., 21; Thomas, Eliza S., 24; Twiss, Eliza, 20; Williams Mary, 53.

The City of Adelaide
This stranded ship has been considerably lightened, and on Wednesday morning, as there  was a good tide, the master proceeded to heave a strain on his cable. An anchor was carried out a few days ago with a cable leading over the port quarter, and on this a luff upon luff being hove tight it soon became manifest that the gallant ship was moving astern. The tars were supplemented by the lumpers, and the vessel was hove off about 40 feet unfortunately the tugs were not in attendance, or she would probably have been in Port Adelaide on the same day. The gear was, however, all ready, and it was determined that on the evening's tide another attempt should be made.

The Ship City of Adelaide.—
This stranded vessel having been hove astern on Wednesday's tide both tugs were in attendance en Thursday morning, and by their united exertions she made another move of about 100 yards towards the deep water. The morning's tide being best any attempt on afternoon's water would have certainly proved futile, so the whole force is ready for Friday morning's flood, when there is a probability of her coming off the sand. The Harbour-Master of Port Adelaide proceeded to the ship on Thursday, so as to render any necessary advice and assistance. The glass was very low on Thursday, and the atmosphere looked threatening, but it was thought that the state of the weather would not interfere with the operations. '

The Ship City of Adelaide Safe.—
The stranded ship City of Adelaide was favored by a good tide on Friday morning:, September 4, and the tugs being ready she come off the bank before high water, and was at once towed to Port Adelaide, where she was moored alongside the Company's 'Wharf. The vessel will be taken on the slip for survey; but judging from present appearance she has not in any way suffered from her unfortunate accident.