WRECK OF THE WHITE BAY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 244, 16 July 1928, Page 10

WRECK OF THE WHITE BAY

. —, SOLE SURVIVOR’S STORY IMPOSSIBLE TO RENDER 1 help (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. July 15, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, July 15. At an inquest on the body of an Italian seaman which was washed ashore at Newcastle, from the wreck of the White Bay, another Italian seaman, Ricupero, who was - tire' sole- survivor, gave evidence that when the captain found he was unable to make Newcastle he fired rockets. They saw a boat come out from Newcastle, but the White Bay had blown further north and the vessel was unable to give any assistance. The White Bay was blown Still further north, and as it neared Stockton beach the captain called the flfeine'n out of the hold and instructed the crew to don lifebelts. As they were doing so a great sea struck'the ship and she turned over. When witness came to the surface he saw the White Bay keel upwards twenty-five fathoms from the shore. There was no sign of the captain or the crew. Witness said he swam ashore. A verdict of drowning through shipwreck was returned, the coroner adding that everything humanly possible had been done to succour the White Bay, but it was impossible.

The small coastal steamer White Bay left Sydney On June 13 for Lake Macquarie, and after battling for hours with a severe storm was driven ashore, and became a total wreck at Morna I’oint, Stockton Beach, near Newcastle. A pilot steamer from Newcastle tried to reach the White Bay, which was quite helpless in the teeth of a gale raging at 80 miles per hour, but was forced back. A rocket brigade then tried to reach the wreck, but failed.