SCHOONER LAMAEL IN DANGER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 259, 9 November 1901, Page 5

SCHOONER LAMAEL IN DANGER.

A SUCCESSION OF HURRICANES,

THE SUPERCARGO WASHED OVER-

BOARD.

LAST SEEN SWIMMING FOR SHORB.

MELBOURNE, October 31.

The experiences of the -schooner Lamael, which put Into Hobson'a Bay late last night en route from Duck River, Tasma-nia, to Adelaide, provide ample evidence of the severity of the gales which have lately prevailed ill Bass Straits, and around the Tasmanian coast.

Captain Barron reports that after pass•ing through a succession of hurricanes, the littlo vessel ran into Fisherman Cove the next day. However, the wind shifted to the south-west, bringing up a furious sea. Both anchors were slipped, but the chains parted, and left the schooner to the mercy of the elements. Double-reefed topsails were, however, got on to her, but not before an immense sea thundered aboard, washing' the crew in all directions, capsizing the galley, bursting the staysail, and creating- general eonfusJon. Mr O. Johnson, supercargo, was mlss'ng. He had been at the helm, and a smart search discovered him floating astern, clinging to a cask. Lifebuoys were thrown, but though every effort was mnde to pick him up, the avalanche of water had made the schooner practically unmanageable, , n.:id a rescue became a matter or impossibility. Captain B&rron did all that skill could accomplish in the circumstances, and he clings to the hope that the man may have renched tlie beach,which was only a short distance off. When last seen he was making bravely for shore.

Meantime the Lamael had beaten out of immediate danger of destruction, and made Cape Nelson in safety, but the gales returned with such strength and signs of continuance that Captain Barron decided to run for Melbourne and refit generally.

The missing supercargo, Johnson, was about 45 years of age, and was known on the coast, having- been master of the ketch Esther, of Tasmania. Several houses face the beach where he was last seen swimmingl.

One of the seamen of the Lamael, named McCabe, becano° so upon landing last night v hat he spent the early hours of this morning roaring in tYa streets of the city. He was arrested and charged with riotous behaviour sit the Police Court to-day, but upon the magistrate learning that McCabe actually saved the vessel from destruction )t> standing by the wheel when the hurricane was full upon them, he discharged the prisdner.