Cutting off the finger that plugged the hole in the dyke

In June of 1852 Her Majesty's steamer Jackal, on her outward passage to the African coast, sprung a leak. However, it managed to stay afloat and succeeded in reaching Sierra Leone. On examining the leak while at anchor in the harbour, a large jelly fish was discovered protruding through the hole, partially stopping the leak.

To stop the leak entirely, it became necessary to cut away the jellyfish piecemeal from inboard. With it's removal, however, the rush of water was so great that, although the steam pumps were kept working, the vessel had to be run ashore and grounded.

--Liverpool Albion.