The vessel was anchored in Orepuki Bay, Foveaux Strait, had landed her passengers, and was about to commence unloading her cargo, when, in consequence of a heavy swell, the master considered it advisable to continue on the voyage to Preservation Inlet. With this end in view, on February 14, the anchor was weighed and the order given to steam ahead, when it was discovered that the port engine was not working. The anchor was immediately dropped, but before sufficient cable could be paid out to hold the steamer, the Halcyon swung round, touched on the rocks, and a heavy sea threw her onto the reef. Two days later, the steamer had completely broken up, and not a vestige was to be seen except some portions of timber and cargo on the beach.The Halcyon, No. 52,417, was a wooden, twin screw steamer of 34.55 tons net register, built at Manakau Heads, in March 1866, by E.T. and C.M. Wing. Her first engine of 25 h.p. was made by John Hunter & Co, of Greenock, and teak from the wreck of H.M.S. Orpheus was used for her cabin fittings. The steamers dimensions were : length 75.8 ft, beam 13.1 ft, depth 6.4 ft.
Back to Foveaux Shipwrecks Page.
