Page:Loss of the Comet steam-boat on her passage from Inverness to Glasgow, on Friday the 21st October, 1825.pdf/6

 a great measure, precluded any person but the man on the lookout from seeing directly a head. Captain McInnes, according to the most credible statement, was on the cabin-deck, conversing with such individuals as were near him. Suddenly the man forward called aft, “A steam-boat—helm aport!” The next moment the Comet received a tremendous shock on her bow; and, before her startled crew were almost aware of the quarter from which danger was to  be apprehended, she received a second blow, equally terrific, near the larboard paddle-box. The vessels then drifted asunder in mutual consternation; and, shortly after, a cry of despair was heard to proceed from the Comet. The devoted crowd on her deck had discovered that she was sinking; and in three minutes after the concussion, she went down, bow foremost, in 17 1/2 fathoms water, and about 165 yards from the shore.

The vessel which occasioned this horrible catastrophe, was the Ayr steam luggage boat, McClelland, master, bound to Ayr. As far as can be ascertained, the two boats were doubling the point at the same moment. A gentleman who was on board has given the following relation:—

The Ayr having touched at Greenock, he embarked and sailed about one o’clock,