The Khersonese & The Mindora – A Fearful Collision In The Channel

“Late on Sunday night, another fearful collision took place in the Channel a few miles to the westward of the South Foreland, which it is feared, it has proved fateful to both ships. The ill-fated vessels are reported to have been the Khersonese, a very large ship, bound to Calcutta from London and the Mindora, barque, Captain Hall, also from London, bound to Victoria (Vancouver Island) with passengers and valuable general cargo. The telegrams which have been received announcing the catastrophe are brief in the particulars. It appears that the collision took place off Folkestone, or rather near to the Varne, the ships coming together in fearful violence. The Mindora is stated to have been abandoned in a sinking state seven or eight miles south-west by west of the South Foreland, having then six feet of water in her hold, and that the crew and passengers had landed in Kingsdown, near Walmer. The Meggie, bound to Bristol, which put back to the Downs on Monday morning, reports late on the previous (Sunday) night that a large ship was observed inside the Varne. The crew on board were hailing for assistance, as the vessel was sinking. A boat was lowered from the Meggie, and went alongside the ship, but was unable to board her. The boat followed her for a short distance and then lost sight of her. Several rockets were sent up by the ship, which appeared to be sinking. This unfortunate ship is supposed to have been the Khersonese. It has been ascertained that ten of the crew, who were lowered in a boat, have been landed in Ramsgate, and they report that when they left her, she had five feet of water in the fore compartment. The Khersonese, which was a very large vessel, was formally a steamer, and had been converted into a sailing ship. Both ships and cargoes are insured for a very heavy amount.”