The James Craig, which is an iron barque, formerly known as the Clan M'Leod (sic), built in 1874, was bound from Newcastle with coal for Tasmania. When off Gabo she struck heavy weather, and her topside seams opened, letting the water pour into her at a rate faster than the pumps could cope with. In this condition the vessel remained for 48 hours. Then the wind lightened, and enabled the captain to navigate her under the lee of the coast to Sydney.

Captain Murchison (who during the war served in a decoy ship in the British Navy) said that last Sunday week he did not expect that the James Craig would make port again. From stem to stern mountainous seas swept the barque, buffeting her and throwing her about like a cork. The forepeak was in them, and most of the stores were destroyed by the water, whilst the decks were awash. for two days the ship remained in this plight. the crew, without a break during the 48 hours, were engaged pumping and bailing with buckets, living the meanwhile on tinned food. Unable to cope with the water, they did not know how much there was in the ship, or at what rate she was leaking, as, on account of the decks being awash, it was impossible to take soundings. In this condition the James Craig was on the point of being abandoned when the wind moderated and veered to the south-west. This enabled Captain Murchison to make for the land, and by skilful seamanship he managed to get his ship under the lee.

The James Craig, on her arrival here, anchored in Double Bay. the crew is still engaged in pumping and bailing the water, but a very considerable quantity had by yesterday been removed, and the vessel was out of danger.

Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 24th
May, 1920