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The CALYPSO 1866

Calypso, brig, When bound from Newcastle to Dunedin with a cargo of coal, the brig was wrecked at Stewart Island on July 4 1866. On approaching Foveaux Strait the Calypso encountered very severe weather, during which a heavy sea struck the vessel, carrying away bulwarks, boat and gallery, besides doing other damage. In order to repair the damage, the captain set a course for Stewart Island, and the brig brought up under a point 14 miles from Port William.

The damage repaired the vessel stood of about 200 yards, when she struck heavily on a reef not laid down on the chart. Her rudder was carried away and her stern post, rudder trunk, and wooden ends were started. She slipped off the reef, and while the crew kept continually at the pumps the vessel was steered with her canvas. She reached the south side of the island, and by this time the water had gained so fast that the sea was level with her waterways amidships. The brig was kept close to shore, and, touching the ground, she almost immediately became a wreck. About the beginning of October, the Calypso, which was insured for 1000 pounds, was reported to have broken up.

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