Author Topic: Today in New Zealand *Disasters* History 20th April  (Read 3963 times)

Offline JennyLeez

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Today in New Zealand *Disasters* History 20th April
« on: April 20, 2012, 12:11:12 AM »
Burning of Fiery Star 20th April 1865.

The Fiery Star, a full-rigged clipper of 1,361 tons, London-bound from Brisbane, met with misadventure of the worst kind—fire at sea—when 150 miles northwest of the Chatham Islands. Fire broke out in her cargo of wool on 19 April 1865, and a course was set for Hauraki Gulf; but after four days the captain decided to abandon ship. Seventy-eight of her passengers and crew, with Captain W. H. Yule, took to the boats, and were never seen again, but the chief officer and 17 of the crew who stayed behind and fought the flames for nearly three weeks, while at the same time working the ship towards land, were taken off by the ship Dauntless half an hour before the Fiery Star foundered in a mass of flames. They were then only about 15 miles from the New Zealand coast.




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Offline Rwood

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Re: Today in New Zealand *Disasters* History 20th April
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2012, 08:05:43 AM »
Many boat incidents in those days I suppose ...

Offline ato2

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Re: Today in New Zealand *Disasters* History 20th April
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2012, 08:50:30 AM »
Exactly. One has only to look along our local coastlines and consider how risky travel could be in the 19th century. And to be far out to sea, with small chance of rescue, unless right in a shipping lane.
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Offline TokWW

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Re: Today in New Zealand *Disasters* History 20th April
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2012, 08:56:55 AM »
It also makes you winder how the wool caught alight too, its not very flammable...  the jute wool packs would though - vegetable fibre like hemp.  And of course the boat is made of wood - hardwood which chars and burns slowly but with hot embers.  That is sad and so dangerous - fire at sea.

This must be an interesting series of daily threads jenny is putting up.  I must have more of a browse!

Offline JennyLeez

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Re: Today in New Zealand *Disasters* History 20th April
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2012, 09:10:57 AM »
Yes there were many sea disasters back then. But look at what they sailed in and navigational equipment used.
Toko these are not daily. I am keeping a record of those relevant to New Zealand, extreme fatalities and by in large have a taste of 'weather'.


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