It was the worst hurricane to impact the island since 1793 and forced the construction of a breakwater to prevent a similar harbor disaster from recurring ; more than 30 ships were driven ashore by the `` violent gale . '' It was the worst hurricane to affect the island since 1793 and forced the construction of a breakwater to prevent a similar harbor disaster from recurring ; more than 30 ships were driven ashore by the `` violent gale . ''