2-981-765 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Surf-boat at Madras going out to a ship, 1876. Engraving from a sketch by Captain H. G. Robley, of the 91st Highlanders, of '...a "Masoolah," or surf-boat, carrying passengers to a vessel...The ships ride some distance out, safe from the rollers, which break, like charging white horses, for some way in lines of white foam. These surf-boats are the only ones that can live in such waves. They are large, unwieldy boats to look at, with high sides; the timbers work on rolls of matting, instead of being nailed, and owe their safety to their pliancy. The naked, yelling crew pull, with long poles with spadelike ends, a quick, jerky stroke...The steersman, with long paddle, keeps the boat, stem or stern, on to the breakers. Spurts are given at the critical moments; and the person who makes his first trip on a windy day feels thankful after passing through such a maelstrom'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.