The swell made things difficult. Many of us got wet to the waist while
dragging the boat out--a serious matter in that climate. When the
'James Caird' was afloat in the surf she nearly capsized among the
rocks before we could get her clear, and Vincent and the carpenter, who
were on the deck, were thrown into the water. This was really bad luck,
for the two men would have small chance of drying their clothes after
we had got under way. Hurley, who had the eye of the professional
photographer for "incidents," secured a picture of the upset, and I
firmly believe that he would have liked the two unfortunate men to
remain in the water until he could get a "snap" at close quarters; but
we hauled them out immediately, regardless of his feelings.
The 'James Caird' was soon clear of the breakers. We used all the
available ropes as a long painter to prevent her drifting away to the
north-east, and then the 'Stancomb Wills' came alongside, transferred
her load, and went back to the shore for more. As she was being
beached this time the sea took her stern and half filled her with
water. She had to be turned over and emptied before the return journey
could be made. Every member of the crew of the 'Stancomb Wills' was
wet to the skin. The water-casks were towed behind the 'Stancomb
Wills' on this second journey, and the swell, which was increasing
rapidly, drove the boat on to the rocks, where one of the casks was
slightly stove in.
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