Narrow escape for garrison boat
Narrow escape for
garrison boat
This article by Mark Pulley was first published in his Facebook group Maritime Jersey
10 October 1880
The garrison boat left St Helier Harbour for Elizabeth Castle at the height of today's gale manned by eight oarsmen, Major Carey, and 23 artillerymen.
As the gale and rain increased in violence, the boat had to alter course to avoid the Weymouth steamer Brighton, which was arriving from Guernsey.
Suddenly the wind and tide took hold of the small boat and it drifted uncontrollably towards the Esplanade. The oarsmen could be seen rowing to no effect, and it was at this point Major Carey took shelter under the outer wall of Albert Pier.
A three-gun distress signal was fired from the castle, which brought thousands of onlookers from the town down to the pier and Esplanade.
Lifeboat launched
Harbourmaster John Hamon ordered the lifeboat to be launched, but instead of launching in the harbour, the lifeboat was taken to the Esplanade and launched from near the Picquet House.
The lifeboat entered the water with a makeshift crew who were soon having difficulties reaching the stricken garrison boat.
At least a couple of hours had now passed and the steam tug Duke gallantly left the harbour to assist in the rescue.
The weather moderating, the oarsmen of the garrison boat began to make headway back to the harbour.
Major Carey - mindful of the huge audience on the piers - refused help from the Duke, but insisted the tug went to the aid of the lifeboat, still struggling in the conditions.
With all three vessels back in the harbour everyone involved in the incident returned safely.
Questions were asked as to why the garrison boat had set off in such dreadful conditions. Major Carey was bullish on his return.
- "We had to go some distance out of our course to avoid the Brighton, we realised then we couldn't make the castle. Returning to the harbour we failed to make the entrance due to the gale and tide.
- "I selected a spot under the outer wall of Albert pier to ride out the storm. We didn't fire the distress signal".
Making light of the situation Major Carey said
- "Our men were soaked to the skin with the rain, but our greatest danger was we could not light our pipes. Once my men were rested we easily rowed back to the harbour where a huge crowd cheered us".
Major Carey praised the rescue efforts but said the lifeboat was launched "With great zeal, but little judgment".
