THE COMMODORE WRECK.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 260, 9 November 1897, Page 2

THE COMMODORE WRECK.

INQUIRY BY THE AMERICAN CONSUL.

(By TelegTaph—Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, this day. Mr W. G. Neill, the American Consul, held an inquiry touching the wreck of the Commodore. The facts elicited were that the Commodore was bound from Honolulu to New York with a cargo of sugar. At noon on the 3rd of September the captain took bearings, and made himself out to be in latitude 2 degrees 19 minutes S., longitude, 154 degrees 47 minutes W., or 30 miles from Maiden Island, which he expected to sight. He gave instructions for the ship to be put about at twelve o'clock, considering that by that time he would be in the vicinity of the island. At twenty minutes to twelve, however, the vessel struck. The captain attributes the position of the vessel to the strong southerly currents taking him further on his course than he expected. All of those on board got safely ashore, but lost all their possessions save what scant clothing they had on at the time of the mishap. The second officer and seven of the crew proceeded to Melbourne by a schooner, leaving for that port from Maiden Island, the remainder preferring to await a passage for New Zealand, being of opinion that they would thus be enabled to reach America more quickly. Mr Neill has provided for the temporary wants of the unfortunate seamen, who will be provided for here until passages are procured for them to America, or until they find berths on other vessels.