'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎36] (139/496)

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had been expected in the Arabian sea, it was hardly possible for ships
in every instance to survive its overwhelming violence, even where
there was no lack of vigilance, energy and intelligence. The ten
dency of the first half of the storm, by the combined influence of the
wind and curent, was to drive vessels to the westward among the dan
gerous reefs of the above-mentioned islands ; and the latter part to
throw them back on the coast of India. Thus, at its setting in, the
coasting craft were caught by the easterly wind, off shore, and by
being swept across the path of the gale its focus passed between them
and the land ; while the veering of the wind to north and west, drove
them round into its wake and restored them to their homes. For
“ three days” they were hurried from the land, and in as many more
brought back to it. In the very helplessness of these country boats
consisted their safety. By yielding to the commencing gale it bore
them out of the more imminent danger, whereas, had they struggled
against the increasing force of the wind to keep near the Indian
coast, they would most likely have committed themselves to the mercy
of the wind and waves, when too late to cross, but just in time to
reach, the central path as the vortex was passing. Wonderful as the ways
of Providence are in carrying such frail and open craft around so ter
rible a storm, yet there can be little doubt that too many of those
whose fate must ever be unknown were destroyed under the circum
stance last referred to.
To the large vessels from Bombay, bound to the Southward, whose
course lay along the coast, the danger was very threatening; and, as
the approaching typhoon spread itself across the channel, it rendered
the ordinary means of escape most difficult. It was Scylla and Charyb-
dis on either side, with a tempest between. There was time, but bare
ly rocfm, to shun the vortex, unless by having turned back to Bombay
harbour. The Faize Fubahny, and Mermaid, on first finding the
easterly wind increasing to a gale, appear to have kept well in with
the land, so that when the vortex came up abreast of them they were
at a sufficient distance to the eastward of it to avoid the most fatal
part ; and it was perhaps the very best thing which they could have
done, if determined to prosecute their voyage : and had the storm
travelled. 1ST. W., according to the ordinary laws, these ships would in all
probability have wholly escaped.
Vessels meeting the Storm —It is indeed very difficult to suggest
any means of escape from such a storm as that of last April, which