THE LOSS OF THE LABRADOR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 88, 15 April 1899, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE LOSS OF THE LABRADOR.

An excellent account of the loss of the Dominion liner Labrador on March 1 off the English coast and the successful rescue of the passengers under trying circumstances is supplied by the Tobermory correspondent of the 'Liverpool Post.' Under date of the 22nd ult. he telegraphed as follows:—

On Wednesday morning about 7 o'clock, the Royal mail steamer Labrador, of the Dominion line, which left St. John's, New Brunswick, on the 19th ult., via Halifax, for Liverpool, struck on the Mackenzie Rock, about four and a half miles off Skerryvore Lighthouse, and is expected to become a total wreck. The Labrador had 61 passengers on board, 21 first-class, among whom was a lady named Mrs Greenfields, 19, second-class, and 24 third.class. The crew of the Labrador numbered 94.

All the passengers and crew with the exception of 12, who were put ashore at Skerryvore Lighthouse, were safely landed at Tobermory on Wednesday evening by the steamer Viking, which providentially hove in sight a few hours after the occurrence of the disaster.

The steamer left Halifax on Tuesday, the 21st ult., at 3 a.m., and made a good passage until Sunday, when fog was encountered, and no bearings could be taken for three days. Upon nearing the British Isles the fog became more dense, and Skerryvore Light was mistaken, it is supposed, for Inistrahull, on the North 'of Ireland.

Soundings of 40 or 50 fathoms were got before the vessel struck. Most of the passengers were still in bed or dressing when the alarm was given.

The ship ran on the rock, and stuck fast amidships. The women and children, Who numbered about 20, were greatly excited, but the crew, taking, example from- Captain Erskine, who displayed extraordinary courage and self-command, behaved with great coolness.

The boats were in excellent order, and were all utilised. T^iey comprised six lifeboats and two small boats.

The passengers and crew lost all their belongings. Life was in danger, and everything had to be sacrificed.

The captain made strong efforts to take off the mails for Moville and Liverpool, but owing to the imminence of the danger, for the ship might break up at any moment, they had to be abandoned.

The women and children were put into the first boat, in charge of the fourth officer, and the other passengers in the second, under the command of the second officer. When these boats were slung clear, the rest of the crew followed in the other boats, and'all were headed in the direction of Skerryvore. The Labrador carried a general cargo, a large part of which consisted of wheat and apples.

As the boats left the vessel's side the sea was yellow with wheat, which poured from the hold. The passengers are loud in praise of Captain Erskine and his officers and crew, all of whom acted so bravely,and faithfully.

The. boats were about three and a half hours at sea before the Viking could come to their rescue. The crew of this vessel, which was coming in the same route, and was bound for Norway, immediately set about getting the passengers and crew of the Labrador on board, and owing to the heavy swell running at the time the operation was attended with considerable difficulty and some danger. No accident, however, happened to life or limb, and the rescue was most success fully carried out.

The gravity of the situation may better be realised when it is stated that the seas were going over the funnel of the Viking and the Labrador,. As the crew lost sight of her she was fast breaking up and sinking by the stern.