By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Observer published on 26 January, 1856 contains an article about a shipwreck off the coast of the Island.
A SHIPWRECK. – Early on Friday morning last, between 5 and 6 o’clock, a fine English brig, named the “George Lord,” of about 300 tons, laden with fruit (currants and raisins), from Patras, bound to London, was stranded on a small ledge of rocks between Compton and Brooke, at the back of the Isle of Wight, about four miles distant from Yarmouth by land. The weather was thick and blowing a strong gale from the S.W. at the time the casualty took place, and no observations obtained till she struck upon the ground; the helm was instantly put hard a-port and the yards braced round, but the vessel would not obey. As soon as the news got afloat of the perilous conditions of the ship, a vast number of people from Yarmouth and Freshwater were soon on the spot; and after the sea had got down a little moderate the captain immediately set them to work and ordered the rigging and masts to be cut away, which was very soon done and thrown over the side for the ship to lay easy. There is no probability of her again coming off, as there are several holes beat in her bottom and she is full of water, and the ravages of the sea on shore are tremendous, which breaks over the hull of the ship. It is expected momentarily to see her shiver to atoms every time the sea rolls in upon her decks. In consequence all the rogues and thieves in the Isle of Wight are present every day, waiting to plunder any mortal thing that should happen to come within their reach, and a body of police in attendance is also employed in keeping their weather-eye open to watch the movements of the vagabonds. At the time we write they are engaged in getting out her cargo and bringing it on shore, together with her stores, which we understand is to be sold by auction in the course of a few days. We hear that the captain, Mr. Amlot, is the principal owner of the unfortunate craft. Both her and the cargo are said to be both insured. – From a Correspondent
