WRECK OF A BARQUE.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9280, 4 December 1895, Page 5

WRECK OF A BARQUE.

THREE OF THE CREW DROWNED.

SUFFERINGS OF THE SURVIVOES. A GALLANT RESCUE PARTY. Press Assoaation—By Telesrraph—Copy.?'" ht. Sydney, December 3. Details have been received of the wreck at Delagoa Bay of the Norwegian steel barque Breidablik. She struck and capsized during a storm, and three of the crew were drowned. The survivors escaped in boats, and they were only partly clothed, and had very little food. After a voyage of seventy-five miles, during which they suffered great hardships, they landed, and began a dreary march of nearly one hundred miles to a native settlement. They were inhospitably treated and started back again for the coast. On their arrival they communicated with the Portugese Government at Delagoa, who sent a steamer to their rescue. Meantime volunteer crews from the steamers Oscar, E.J., and Olive Branch, lying at Delagoa, started in boats to rescue the sufferers. After an exciting voyage up the river, and a long tramp through unknown country, during which they were fired on several times, they reached the settlement where it was supposed the castaways were located, and found that they had left for the coast. The rescuers were almost naked and worn out for want of food. They had to march ninety-five miles back to the boats through rough and swampy country, and were continually persecuted by the natives. Their sufferings were so severe that all but two gave up. The latter reached Delagoa when assistance was sent to their companions, who were brought safely to the coast.