These sounds, made more terrible by the darkness, were like death-knells, calling the men to prepare to meet their doom.
And while all on board were contemplating these sounds, the ship suddenly careened a-starboard, a harsh, grating noise was heard overhead, and quantities of broken crystallites began falling on deck.
This was followed by a crashing sound, and the ship righted.

The topmasts had fouled, and one after another were carried away and now hung, a dangerous wreck.

Then her gib-boom came in contact with one of the columns, and met the same fate.

The ship now swung round and struck with a violent shock on a sunken rock, and almost simultaneously her mainmast went by the board, she began to fill and settle down, and soon became a forlorn wreck.

A short consultation was held between the officers and men as to what was best to be done.