'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎206] (377/524)

206 ACCOUNT OF A CYCLONE
lletticirhs on tli6 above Rec/istev,
January 25th to 28 M.—The continuance of Easterly winds for so
many days was very perplexing. At one time it appeared as if the
trade must have extended Southward to a most unusual extent. The
rapid motion of the clouds overhead for some time previous indicated
some disturbance, but the Barometer was not affected. On the morn
ing of Friday, the 29th January, the appearance of the weather was
very threatening, the Barometer had fallen slightly , and I considered
it possible a cyclone might be approaching, and made in consequence
preparations for bad weather.
As the ship was lying her course under fore and aft sail, and the (
Barometer was so slightly affected, stood on to NE., carefully watching
the weather.
By 6 p. m. the glass had fallen considerably, the wind and sea
increasing rapidly, and the weather thicker, leaving no doubt on my
mind of the vicinity of a cyclone.
The centre was now hearing true North from us, and it became an
anxious question what should be done, from the uncertainty whether
the storm was pursuing its normal track to WSW. or whether it was
reveering to South or SSE. In the former case the obvious plan
would have been to heave to, till the centre had passed; in the latter, to
run to NW. and attempt to cross in front of it, as the centre would
be coming directly towards us.
29£A January, sunset. —After some hesitation I decided to stand to
the SSE. under fore and aft sail, and to watch any indication of the
direction of the track.
Midnight. —The gale and sea increased towards midnight to a force
estimated at 9 to 10 , and the Barometer fell further, though slightly ;
also oscillating in a remarkable manner, to the extent of about 0’05
apart from the pumping motion attributable to the lurching of the
vessel. The weather was exceedingly thick, and it rained incessantly,
although doubtless the clouds were in rapid motion: they appeared
to form such a solid mass, as to render it impossible to observe it,
and seemed stationary over our heads.
30M January a.m. —Up to this time there was no indication by the
wind veering, that the centre was not following us : and at daylight