'Ellen', 1878

The Australian Town and Country Journal, quoting the Bega Gazette, ran the following story on 16th February 1868:

WRECK OF THE ELLEN AT TATHA. We (Bega Gazette) regret to notify the loss of the brigantine Ellen at Tathra. The particulars, as far as we have been able to ascertain them, are these - The Ellen arrived at Tathra on Tuesday afternoon, intending to ship cargo for Sydney. The wind, however, was blowing hard from the eastward, and Captain Nicholson could not attempt to approach the wharf, so brought the vessel up with two anchors down and a line fast to a buoy. Until yesterday (Wednesday) morning she lay in a most critical position, the seas breaking over her and anchors dragging. At high water, about 11 o'clock, Captain Nicholson determined to beach his ship, in order to save life, so, slipping the cables and getting her round, she ran on to the beach, and on touching, immediately slued broadside on. Tho crew all landed safely. She has on board about forty bales of wool and a few bags of corn. By the latest accounts we hear that it was feared the vessel would become a total wreck. At low water yesterday, she was high and dry, quite upright. Tho cargo of wool was being removed when our informant left. The Ellen was owned by a local company, and was insured for £1,000, which insurance was renewed by the agent in Sydney, Mr. H. Clarke, on Tuesday Inst; but we are told this will not cover the loss sustained by the owner.

According to historian W.A. Bayley, the Ellen remained on the beach for two months until she was salvaged.