Flinders Journal – 26 November

Friday 26 November, 1802 Sweers Island "After two days examination, their report was made in the following terms. ... In a strong gale, with much sea running, the ship would hardy escape foundering ... If the ship should get on shore under any unfavourable circumstances, she would immediately go to pieces ... The ship could not bear heaving down on any account ... It is our joint opinion that in twelve months there will scarcely be a sound timeber in her; but that if she remain in fine weather and happen no accident, she may run six months without much risk. ... I cannot express the surprise and sorrow which this statement gave me. According to it, a return to Port Jackson was almost immediately necessary." (P141-3) "A passage to Port Jackson at this time, presented no common difficulties. In proceeding by the west, the unfavourable monsoon was likely to prove an obstacle not to be surmounted; and in returning by the east, stomry weather was to be expected in Torres' Strait. (P144)

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