Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Wednesday 8 January 1913, page 5


STRUCK BY A METEORITE.

BARQUE BELFAST DAMAGED.

SYDNEY, January 7.

The barque Belfast, which left New-castle on December 5 with a cargo of coal for Callao, South America, re-turned to Sydney to-day in a damaged state as a consequence of having been struck by what is described as a meteor

ite.

On Decemher 15, at about 11.30 p.m., the vessel was going along with all sail set when an intense bluish light streaked over the ship from stern to bow, with a downward direction. This was followed by the foretop gallant mast and main royal yard coming down with a run. They had been cut right through, but the sails were not damag-

ed.

Directly after the visitation it was found that the ship's compasses had been affected, and showed a serious difference. Captain Paragon there-upon decided to return to Sydney, which port was made mostly by dead reckoning.