MAID OF OTAGO (1886)
MAID OF OTAGO schooner: was totally wrecked at the entrance to BLUFF harbour September 23, 1886 when she ran aground on to the HOWELLS rocks.One theory is that she had struck the remains of the PELHAM.The schooner was bound from DUNDIN to RIVERTON. Shortly before midnight a strong easterly gale sprang up bringing with it a very dark night.Not wanting to be caught in the forth coming storm the master ordered a quick run to BLUFF harbour and to shelter,as she neared the STIRLING POINT red light the skipper was confused by the distance of the land and his ship became a little too close !! The crew all came ashore at the pilot station at Stirling point. It wasn't long and the ship broke up with parts of the ship and cargo litering the local beaches.
