On Sunday, the Sylvia, Revenue Cutter, Lt. Forward, Commander, while cruising off Arklow Head, sighted two smacks of very suspicious appearance. The cutter bore down upon them and showed signals for them to hove to, but to no purpose, as both vessels sought to make their escape by showing chase. It was found necessary by Lt. Forward to fire into them, and for that purpose a brisk discharge of musketry was opened on them from the cutter. After several discharges they both hove to, and were boarded by the officer and portion of the crew of the Sylvia.


It was found that their names were Caroline and Shamrock, and that they had on board no less than 298 bales of tobacco. The masters and crews of both smugglers were taken on board the Sylvia, and the three vessels bore off for Kingstown. Shortly after the vessels got under way, Walter Fern, the captain of the Caroline, either fell or jumped overboard from the deck of the Sylvia. The vessel being under heavy press of canvas at the time, it became a matter of great difficulty and danger to render any assistance to the drowning man. Lt. Forward ordered the Sylvia to be brought head to wind, and the jolly-boat to be lowered. On the boat being let down into the heavy sea which was running at the time, she immediately filled and had to be hauled up again, and the unfortunate man left to his fate.


The prisoners, seven in number were brought before the Police Magistrate at Kingstown, and were released from custody on producing sufficient bail to appear on Monday next. The vessels were towed to the Custom House Docks, where they now lie as prizes. Their cargos are now being stored in the tobacco ware-house of the Custom-house store.


(Report, Dublin Freeman)

Reference; The Times, Wednesday 9th.May 1855. P.11.