Volume Eight - Pre-Victorian to the present day - more aspects - Storms and their effects . . .

The surge was now coming in shore at least 20 feet high, and the craft came along with it to within some 50 feet from the shore. Seeing the imminent danger of the crew, as the waves dashed over their craft, the coastguard and several parties rushed towards the spot to render any assistance they could. Among those present, and who exerted themselves most praiseworthily, were Mr. Thomas, auctioneer, and his brother, of Crockherbtown, and Mr. Lewis, broker, who happened to be present ; they faced the dangerous element heroically.

The first impulse of those on shore was to send a line on board, but unfortunately there were no rockets, and efforts were made, by tying heavy stones at the end of a line, to reach the unfortunate vessel ; but without avail, as the wind sent the stones back as strongly and quickly as they were propelled forwards.

The men on board at length tied a rope to a ladder and sent it adrift ; those on shore succeeded in hooking it with a boat hook, but the retiring spray and the force of the wind prevented them from securing a firm hold, and this hope of success was dashed away. The captain was now observed to go up the rigging with his boy, whom he lashed to the rattlings ; and the rest of the crew were plainly seen holding on with all their might to the leeward side of the vessel, while the waves dashed with all their force over them.

In the course of half an hour the captain went up the rigging and brought down the boy, doubtless with the intention of swimming ashore ; while in the act of doing this, a tremendous wave came ashore and washed both overboard. The father was driven in shore, and was rescued by those on the beach, but the poor boy sank beneath the waves. The mate was next washed overboard and was lost. Two of the men were observed through the darkness in the bows, and a voice was heard that "three hands had gone overboard." Nothing could be done to save the men, and they remained in their perilous position till the tide receded, when they were rescued in an exhausted state.

A small smack was wrecked a little further in, and the crew were washed ashore, where they were kindly attended to. Some parties also came for brandy to the hotel to succour the crew of an Irish brig that had gone ashore below Penarth.