When inward bound from Stewart Island on September 11, 1869, the cutter went ashore at Tiwai Point, Bluff Harbour, and became a total wreck. The Dorcas encountered a thick squall and at the same time the tiller came out of the rudder-head and fell overboard. Before anything could be obtained to use in its place the cutter went ashore. At daylight it was found that her bottom was out, and after the mast, sails, and everything of value had been taken out, the cutter was abandoned. The Dorcas was a cutter of 10 tons, commanded by Captain H. West.
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