The Netherby

[Stephen Whiteside]

Here's another little piece of history, and an unusual one at that - a shipwreck that did not entail loss of life!


The Netherby

The Netherby, a Black Line ship, in 1866,
Came racing in to Bass Strait in a truly dreadful fix.
With several hundred migrants, from the Thames’ great bustling mouth,
Her destination Brisbane, she had sailed east and south.

She bounced before a mighty storm, the master at a loss
To take noon observations. Like a blinded albatross,
She blundered ever onward, shaken deeply to the core,
Until at last she grounded on King Island’s wild west shore.

All her boats were damaged upon launching – all bar one –
Then a line was taken to the shore (we know not how ‘twas done),
Thus, using boat and line alone, with many a foam flecked trip,
Every life was saved upon that stricken sailing ship.

The Second Mate was smart and tough. Not dwelling on his woes,
Six passengers to walk up north along with him he chose.
Four long days they walked, and on the last, it came in sight –
The reason for their journeying, the tall Cape Wickham light.

The keeper had no means of letting Melbourne know the tale
Of how the Netherby had been so ravaged by the gale;
Of how the passengers and crew were safe, in spite of all.
Of how the Second Mate had answered bravely to his call.

Once more the Second Mate did what he knew he had to do.
He’d come this far. No way he wouldn’t see the mission through.
With four stout men beside him, in the whaleboat, fearlessly,
He sailed across Bass Strait, and made a landing at Torquay.

From there, the news reached Melbourne town from where the government
Ensured two steamers to Cape Wickham’s light were promptly sent.
The passengers and crew were safely taken from that shore,
And ferried back to Melbourne to resume their trip once more.

The Netherby, the Netherby, she doesn’t fit the mould.
We know so many nautical catastrophes of old.
Wrecked upon the shore, no doubt the owners cursed the cost,
But of the passengers and crew, no single life was lost!

© Stephen Whiteside 28.08.2016

[Shelley Hansen]

Great story, Stephen - and a happy ending! Who could ask for more??

Thanks for telling the tale!

Cheers
Shelley

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Shelley!

[David Campbell]

Interesting, Stephen, I'd never heard of this one. There were lots of unhappy endings down our way along what they call the Shipwreck Coast, so it's great to know that at least one didn't involve loss of life.

Cheers
David

[Stephen Whiteside]

Yes, David, some of the sailors on those ships were incredibly resourceful. Makes our suburban lives seem so pale and limp.

[Shelley Hansen]

It certainly was an intrepid age! My great-granny, left alone after the death of her family, booked herself steerage passage at the age of 19. Trouble was, she was a farm girl and couldn't read or write. So instead of sailing from Germany to America as she intended, she booked her passage on a ship bound for Australia.

A tiny lady less than 150 cm in height - still a teenager - and alone. She survived a nightmare voyage on the infamous "fever ship" Alardus - married a fellow passenger ... and here I am!

As you say Stephen, we have it so easy today (in this country, anyway).

Cheers
Shelley

[Robyn]

We visited King Island last year while our son was working there. So many shipwrecks. Such loss of life. But every now and then a tale to warm your heart. Thank you for this one.

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Robyn. I've just started reading a book on the Cataraqui - not such a happy ending!