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Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

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THE CRUISE OF THE "DAPHNE." 159<br />

escape from a vessel north of them. On near<strong>in</strong>g<br />

this dhow, which was runn<strong>in</strong>g up towards<br />

us, close <strong>in</strong> shore, she put her helm up, and ran<br />

through the breakers on to the beach, becom<strong>in</strong>g<br />

a complete wi^eck <strong>in</strong> a few m<strong>in</strong>utes. We were<br />

close to her, though outside the breakers, and<br />

<strong>in</strong> time to see a crowd of unfortunate slaves<br />

struggl<strong>in</strong>g through the water from the ship to<br />

the shore. Many of them, no doubt, were<br />

drowned <strong>in</strong> the attempt, and others escaped up<br />

the hill before our boat could get near the<br />

shore.<br />

It was a question if the danger was not<br />

too great to risk the surf <strong>in</strong> the attempt to rescue<br />

any of them. We lowered the life-boat (one of<br />

White's five-oared), Mr. Breen, midshipman,<br />

and Richards, carpenter, slipp<strong>in</strong>g down the lifel<strong>in</strong>es<br />

<strong>in</strong>to the boat with me, and we shoved off.<br />

I <strong>in</strong>tended, if the bar appeared too dangerous<br />

to cross, not to risk the lives of the crew ; and<br />

I confess, after my experience, I never would<br />

allow a boat to attempt it aga<strong>in</strong> on this part of<br />

the coast ; it did not look so bad outside. We<br />

gave way, and at this time we could see many<br />

of the slaves on the beach and <strong>in</strong> the water.

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