Enlightenment came to those of us in Anglesea through the pages of the Geelong Advertiser. We read that at Barwon Heads Mr. Neil Campbell's housekeeper, Miss Sarah McDonald, was diverted from her domestic duties early on Friday morning by the arrival of the milkman. He bore the astonishing news that a group of shipwreck survivors had landed on their very doorstep.

Hurrying into the backyard Sarah was amazed to see the bedraggled seafarers advancing towards the house. Miss McDonald ushered them inside and set fires blazing in every room in order to dry out the sailor's clothes and warm their shivering bodies. Then the larder was raided to provide breakfast for everyone.

Miss McDonald took special care of Mrs. Kendrick. She supplied one of her own skirts for the lady whilst hers was drying on the clothesline.

On hearing the news, neighbouring residents were quick to supply clothing and food, and wood to keep the fires burning.

About two hours later the second boat came up to the jetty, and the scantily clad survivors ran joyfully from the house to greet their comrades. Then such cheering went up, the likes of which had never been heard before in the hamlet of Barwon Heads.

The newest arrivals expressed fervent thanks to the local folk who had attempted to guide them to safety. This was especially addressed to Mr. Dick Robinson, a solicitor from Geelong, who bravely swam out more than fifty yards to board their boat. He then guided them safely around the dangerous rocky bluff and into the mouth of the river.

More sustenance was now required! Providentially a local fisherman named Brown just happened to have in his cabin a large tinful of newly-made hare soup. This was heated and thankfully devoured by the hungry sailors. The Geelong Advertiser asserted "Never was soup at a royal banquet so greatly enjoyed, nor was a chef at a high-class hotel more highly praised than the cook who prepared that dish for his unlooked-for guests."