midnight
Several of the male passengers came rushing on deck in alarm , but the captain quieted them , and induced them to return to the cabin to reassure the ladies , who , with the children , were up and dressed , being too anxious to think of seeking repose . It takes courts of inquiry , -- formed of competent men , who examine competent witnesses and have the counsel of competent seamen , -- many days of anxious investigation to arrive at the precise knowledge of the when , how , and wherefore of a wreck . We do not , therefore , pretend to be able to say whether it was the fault of the captain , the pilot , the man at the lead , the steersman , the look-out , or the weather , that the good ship Wellington met her doom . All that we know for certain is , that she sighted the southern light-vessel some time before midnight during the great gale , that she steered what was supposed to be her true course , and that , shortly after , she struck on the tail of the sands . Instantly the foremast went by the board , and the furious sea swept over the hull in blinding cataracts , creating terrible dismay and confusion amongst nearly all on board . The captain and first mate , however , retained their coolness and self-possession . Stanley and Jim also , with several of the officers on board , were cool and self-possessed , and able to render good service .