THE WRECK OF THE SUNBEAM.

Bay of Plenty Times, Issue XX, 15 June 1892, Page 2

THE WRECK OF THE SUNBEAM.

The following particulars have been received respecting the wreck of the steam yacht Sunbeam. On Ma r ch 27 the Sunbaain was lying off an island in Admiralty Gulf, at the north Kimberley district, whsn a leak wa3 discovered. The vessel was run ashore and patched up. After she had been lying there 19- houra, the' first mate reported that water was making fast. The captain went to the engine-room, and discovered a hole 6in. long, caused by corrosion. Canvas was fixed on the hole, and every attempt was made to beaoh the vessel. She was stranled on a mudbank, and the crew landed safely in the boats^ the captain remaining on board until the decks were almost level with the water. The Sun 1 earn sank half-a-mile from shore. Futile attempts were made to get her off, but she was firmly embedded in the mudbank. The crew landed at Dicky Bay, where the rest of the pearling schooners were lying. In consequence of the steamer -not being expected for three weeks, Captain Read determined to proceed to Roebuck Bay in a whaleboat, and there place himself in communication with the owners of the yaoht. The residents of the Admiralty Gulf endeavoured to dissuade him from doing this, but he persisted in his attempt, which was successful. Nine men accompanied him. The natives along the coatt were very hostile, threatening the voyagers with their spears on one occasion when they attempted to land. The party arrived at Cygnet Bay, inside the entrance of King Sound, on April 17. There they procured supplies and proceeded on their voyage, reaching Roebuck Bay, 400 miles distant, on the 20th April. The men landed in excellent health. The captain deserves much credit for his g-tllaut but somewhat rash voyage. Viscount Cantelupe purchased the Sunbeam from Lord Brassey, his ebjeet being to engage in pearling on the South Australian coast. Captain Read brought the vessel out from England. j