OTAGO WITNESS
19 June 1852

Loss of the Brig "Sisters." It is with sincere regret we
have to record the total loss of the brig: Sisters, 
Captain Clarke, at Turanganui, in Poverty Bay, on the 
afternoon of Good Friday. Captain Clarke was about to 
proceed to Ahuriri, and was on the point of getting under
weigh when he was suddenly caught by a violent south-east
gale, and in spite of every exertion he could use to save
the vessel, was driven by the gale on the rocks. The long
boat was launched, and all, except three hands who 
remained on board, got to shore. Capt. Clarke then 
prepared to return; but the long boat was half filled from
the sea breaking over her, and he was obliged to make a 
signal to those on board to leave the vessel, which they 
safely accomplished in the jolly boat. The Sisters shortly
afterwards went to pieces, and her cargo on board was 
entirely lost. We understand the Benlonmomd, a small 
coasting vessel of 30 tons, was subsequently lost near the
same spot.


Converted to electronic form by Corey Woodw@rd