HMS Mermaid is repaired and then departs Careening Bay, Port Nelson
9th October 1820
On this day, 9th October 1820, after being delayed by the need to repair HMS Mermaid, Allan Cunningham departed from Careening Bay, Port Nelson under the command of Phillip Parker King, headed for Port Jackson.
At this period, a leak in the vessel caused such serious apprehension, as to render it absolutely imperative to look out for a secure harbour, where the cutter’s bottom could be examined, and her defects repaired. A situation was happily found in Port Nelson; and, in a bay, afterwards called, from circumstance, Careening Bay, the necessary repairs were accomplished. The refitting the cutter caused a detention at Careening Bay of nearly three weeks, which time was turned to good account by our botanist, who made extensive excursions in the vicinity of the Bay. 1
ROBERT HEWARD’S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF ALLAN CUNNINGHAM, Page 265