THE SHIPPING DISASTERS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12350, 14 November 1905, Page 5

THE SHIPPING DISASTERS.

THE WRECK OF THE LA BELLA

THE CAPTAIN'S STORY,

A NIGHT OF SUFFERING

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

MELBOURNE, November 13

Tho captain of the La Bella is much bruised. He told the following story: —"I was suffering from illness when tho vessel was off Warrnambool. This may have caused mc to lose my bearings, but I don't wish to say anything on that point now. When the La Bella struck she heeled over considerably to starboard. All hands scrambled on to tho forecastle, which is the highest position. The ship bumped continually throughout tho night. Soon after she struck I attempted to fire a rocket. Tlie apparatus for firing rockets is right aft, and as the jseas broke over tho after part badly I had to return forward without effecting my purpose. The breakers came over us all night, and all on board liad the most awful experience. We were lashed to the railing on the port bow. The ropes were passed round us, and we then held tho ends in our hands, so that we could freo ourselves if the ship were submerged. About eleven o'clock Johann, Johnson, and Gent went into the forecastle for protection. A few minutes later a sea filled the forecastle and washed themoverboard. Wilson and Jackman, whilo hanging on died of exposure at midnight, but tho ropes kept tho "bodies in position until 2 a.m., when they were washed away. Tho firet mate had ono leg broken by a piece of falling timber, and held on until shortly before the rescue, by which time he •was half dead with pain and exposure. Eventually he gave up all effort to live, and let go his hold and went overboard. ' The boy Denham was too exhausted to more when the others changed to the starboard bow, and soon afterwards disappeared. I'could have swum ashore, but did not wish to leave the ship and the others on the wreck." The captain paid high praise to Ferrier ond his efforts of rescue. The La Belle encountered bad weather after leaving Burnie, and was twice blown out of the Straits eastward.