2-913-628 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Wreck of "The Douro" steam-ship, on the Paracels, in the China Sea, 1854. Ship runs aground in bad weather between from Hong-Kong and Singapore. '...we were all startled from sleep by feeling the ship grating on the rocks, and very soon bumping heavily and the sea washing over her. The foremast was cut away, and we soon became a helpless wreck, but getting more firmly fixed on the rocks, as each sea struck her...it was resolved to send our small six-oared boat to Hainan, in charge of Mr. Baker, second officer, and Mr. Nories...to endeavour to get assistance...Too much praise cannot be given to these gallant fellows, who, after eight days of great hardship, danger, and privation, succeeded in reaching Hong-Kong, having travelled over a distance of 500 miles in a small jolly-boat, encountered a gale of wind, and being nearly taken prisoners by the pirates of Hainan'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.