Page:Loss of the Comet steam-boat on her passage from Inverness to Glasgow, on Friday the 21st October, 1825.pdf/9

 these men applied themselves, with the crew, to pumping her. Meanwhile the Ayr had drifted towards the Cloch Light, and it was some time before the crew recovered their senses so far as to put the engine to work, and bring round the vessel on the way back.

In returning, the entreaty to put into Gourock, which might have been done in a few minutes, was reiterated, but as unavailingly as before. It was determined to proceed to Greenock; and to overcome objections, it was then said that the vessel was in no immediate danger. The Ayr passed by the fatal spot, without stopping, or any attempt being made to render that assistance, which still might have been the means of rescuing several valuable lives. On the way, the seamen, who continued unremitingly at the pumps, said, that though the leak was gaining a good deal, yet they had no doubt of making Greenock. During a greater part of this time the master was in the cabin, surrounded by the passengers who had flocked thither, and attempting to vindicate his own conduct in relation to the disaster which had just happened.

The scene which was exhibited on board the Comet, during the short space she remained above water after the two vessels came in contact, is described by all the survivors