Elder E. J. Wood and Company's Deliverance from a Reef at Sea

“On April 3, 1891, President E. J. Wood and company left Apia, bound for Saleaula, Savaii, the island of Savaii being in the Samoa group. We had to go about twenty-five more before reaching our destination. On the morning of April 4, we were still sailing, making several unsuccessful tacks before we were able to get inside the opening in the reef that surrounds the harbor. In a short time after this was done the wind died out and left us tossing at the mercy of tropical oppression. Quite frequently the oars were brought into requisition to keep us from being drifted on to the dreaded reef. The day waned, and when darkness came upon us, we were still in the same plight, without a breath of breeze until we arose on the morning of April 5. We then found ourselves in a very dangerous position, being within a few yards of the reef, and the tide was going out, which would soon have left us high and dry on the coral rocks, where our boat would have been dashed to pieces. We had been fasting and praying for a breeze to take us into the harbor, and just as we were about to give up all hope, a gentle breeze sprang up, which carried us safely into the harbor, where we landed at 8 a.m., feeling to thank the Lord for our deliverance.”

— E. J. Wood, The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star