The weather worsened to a full gale, heavy rain lashed the decks of the Norwegian ship and Thurgot’s attempts to shelter under the gunwales proved futile. His sopping cloak hung heavily and, instead of offering protection against the wind and rain, made him feel more wretched. There came a change in wind direction to due North. At this, the steersman was aided to run before the wind and seek shelter behind the Farne Islands. Except that, despite Thurgot’s prayers for salvation, the vessel struck aground with considerable force, on Longstone, one of the Outer Farne Islands. The ship broke her back and filled rapidly with water. Men, thrown off their feet, cried in panic and some scrambled over the wooden wall of the ship’s side to jump clear of the doomed wreck so as not to be sucked under.
