§ SIR JAMES ELPHINSTONEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether a telegram has been received to the effect that the "Agincourt" has run ashore near Gibraltar, and that from the nature of the ground the vessel was in danger of being lost?
§ MR. GOSCHEN, in reply, said, it was with the deepest regret he was compelled to state that the report was substantially correct. The vessel ran aground on the Pearl Rock, about five miles from Gibraltar, in broad daylight. As to the cause of the accident no information had yet reached the Admiralty; but there appeared to be no doubt as to the fact, which had filled the Board of Admiralty with apprehension for the safety of the vessel, that the Agincourt had grounded in two places. The following telegram had been received at the Admiralty, announcing the disaster—
Agincourt aground in two places on southeast part of shoal, abreast second mast starboard side, and under engine-room port side; outer skin of latter bilged; double bottom of compartment full; ship's draught at low water this morning, 27 feet 6 inches aft., 20 feet 6 inches forward. Everything being removed as fast as possible. Am very doubtful as to possibility of her being saved without camels to lift her.If any further information should arrive in the course of the evening, he would make it known to the House. He was afraid that the vessel must depend on local resources for aid, as it would take five days before assistance could be sent out from this country.
§ MR. GOSCHENsaid, the telegram was silent on that point; but as the vessel had just left Gibraltar, and the accident occurred where the currents were very strong, the probability was that she was under steam.