Page:Loss of the Comet steam-boat on her passage from Inverness to Glasgow, on Friday the 21st October, 1825.pdf/7

 on Friday. The morning was clear, although the moon had set. Having gone below, he is unable to say what arrangement had been made on deck for keeping a strick look-out. About half an hour thereafter, the crash of the two vessels, which he, at the moment, imagined to proceed from the Ayr striking on a rock, caused him to start from his seat, and rush upon deck. By the time our informant had reached the deck, the two vessels having recoiled from each other by the concussion, the Comet was probably one hundred yards distant. Her deck was crowded with people, who simultaneously pressed forward to the part of the vessel nearest the Ayr. At first no cries were heard, but in probably two minutes after he had got up, a shriek of despair was sent forth, and almost instantaneously the Comet disappeared.

On board the Ayr, from the time of the collision, the master, enginemen, and crew, were panic-struck. The engine had been instantly stopped, and the master and crew had collected on the forecastle, the former wringing his hands, and indicating that their immediate death was inevitable. Our informant went forward, and entreated that they would instantly set on the engine, and make for the nearest land. In this direction the Comet had been when she disappeared,