The Alinora was struck by a NW gale about 30km west of Port Gregory and unable to make port before dark, was forced to wait for daylight. The vessel was thrown on its beam end and swamped. The 2 crewmen clung to the keel while the Captain unsuccessfully tried to free the dinghy, then found his crew had disappeared as neither could swim. An icebox surfaced and he scrambled onto it and was blown ashore about 25km north of Geraldton. After walking all night he reached Geraldton and safety.