On 4 September 1863 the 'Delaware', after leaving Nelson for Napier, was wrecked on rocks near Pepin Island (the bay is now known as Delaware Bay). It had struck ferocious weather, lost both anchors, and was drifting dangerously on the rough sea. To save the crew and passengers, Captain Robert Baldwin decided to run the 'Delaware' ashore, only to strike rocks 200m from land.

First Mate Henry Squirrel attempted to secure a line from the 'Delaware' to the beach, but was knocked unconscious after jumping from the ship onto submerged rocks. Luckily for the rest of the crew, a party of local Māori had seen that the ship was in difficulties and hurried to the scene. A woman named Huria Matenga (also known as Julia Martin) was among the rescue party, which had swum out to grab the line, rescued crew from the water, and lit fires to keep survivors warm (more on her and the group's courageous exploits can be found via the links here: www.nzhistory.net.nz/huria-matenga-braves-stormy-seas-to-...).

As nzhistory.net notes, all of the crew but Squirrel made it to safety. The crew and captain believed he was dead and left him behind when they abandoned the ship. But about two hours later, Squirrel appeared on the deck of the ship and called for help. By this time the strong cable had been carried away, so the crew suggested that he lash himself to the rigging until the tide fell, but he was washed overboard.