Pearl, schooner, On June 5, 1863, the schooner stranded at Taylors Point, Riverton, and it is believed, became a total loss. The Pearl arrived at Riverton on May 18, with eight passengers and a large cargo, which had fortunately been discharged before the casualty, which was caused when the schooner, in charge of the pilot, was attempting to get under way,The Board of Inquiry found that the stranding was due to the anchor being hove up without any means being used to keep her off shore, and the vessel being allowed to drive too close to the shore before the anchor was let go again, to be of any use; that an error of judgement was made in setting the jib, which could only assist in driving the vessel on-shore, the wind being at the time in the starboard bow. All blame was attached to the pilot for leaving the Pearl before she was safely moored, and neglecting to return in proper time next tide to move the vessel up. The board considered the master was to blame in not hoisting the usual signal for a pilot when he found the vessel drifting from her anchorage,
The Pearl was a three masted schooner of 150 tons register, owned in Melbourne, and commanded by Captain Sayers. The wreck of the schooner was sold at auction, the hull, gear, and one boat being bought by Captain Howell for 147 gbpounds, and the cargo on board realised 195 gbpounds.
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