On January 3, 1863, the barque was totally wrecked at Bluff Harbour, with the loss of over 2,000 of her cargo of 2,600 sheep. The Time and Truth left Melbourne on December 25, 1862, and fine weather was experienced up until the morning of the disaster, when a heavy gale from the west-south-west sprang up. The vessel was then near her destination, and the master had the choice either to attempt to make the harbour, or run to the eastward.The latter alternative would in all probability have involved in the loss of the sheep, and the master decided to make port. About 6.30 a.m, a heavy squall struck the barque and, although the captain and two hands were at the wheel, she would not answer her helm. The Time and Truth struck a rock several yards from the shore, off Stirling Point, and commenced to sink. By strenuous exertions at the pumps the vessel was kept afloat for five hours, during which the steamer Aphrasia saved 460 of the 2,600 sheep, the remainder being drowned.
About 11 a.m the barque sank broadside onto the harbour entrance. During the next two days the mast went by the board, and the barque parted amidships. On January 16 the Time and Truth was reported to be breaking up, parts of her hull, spars, etc, being washed up the harbour. The wreck was subsequently removed, as it formed a serious hazard to all vessels entering or leaving Bluff.
When returning to Bluff from the wreck, the Aphrasia was struck by the steamer Prince Alfred, and cut down to the waters edge. The Prince Alfred, which sustained practically no damage, then collided with the sailing vessel Yarra, breaking off some of her spars. It was said that the crew of the Prince Albert were drunk at the time of these accidents.
At the Nautical Inquiry into the loss of the Time and Truth, the assessors were of the opinion that the cause of the vessel striking the rock was her not answering her port helm through being struck by a heavy squall on entering harbour. They did not think the master was to blame, as he appeared to have taken all necessary precautions before attempting to enter the port. The barque was of 539 tons register, and was commanded by Captain Slater.
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