GALLANT RESCUE BY SPANIARDS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 147, 22 June 1901, Page 5 (Supplement)

GALLANT RESCUE BY SPANIARDS.

The usual calm of the quiet little Spanish watering-place of Portugalete, which has only just recovered from the shock of the Avlona disaster, wns rudely broken on April 26 by the news that another steamer was ashore on the Bilbao breakwater. She proved to be the steamship Propitious, of Sunderland. All hands except Mr Scarborough, the captain, who was never again seen after he gave an order from the bridge to put out the boats, took refuge in the fore rigging. The steward, a Greek, had only time lo reach the inaiu rigging, and during the night he fell off benumbed, and was drowned. Half an hour after the Propitious struck, the pilot boat came out to render assistance, and was almost immediately followed by a steam-lug, towing a lifeboat, manned by 15 volunteers. The sea, however, was so rough that no boat could venture near the vessel by night. The two steamers stood by. and succeeded in picking up the boatswain, who hud been washed overboard. At early dawn the lifeboat was worked in to the wreck, and took off the 17 survivors. The Spauiards who performed this valuable service at considerable risk, will be suitably rewarded by the British Consul. The men were all comfortably housed, and were shown every kindness by many private persons, both British and Spanish. On Sunday the Rev. Arthur liurnell held a special service of thanksgiving in the little church at Portugalete, many of the survivors being present.