LAST OF THE AMY TURNER

Evening Star, Issue 18280, 21 May 1923, Page 4

LAST OF THE AMY TURNER

EXTRACTS FROM THE LOG.

SHANGHAI, May 5,

Into the following extracts from tho log of the Melbourne schooner Amy Turner, which foundered near Guam, is compressed a tragic ta.lo of the sea: “ March 36.—10 a.m.: Ritigan Point and! the Guam wireless station abeam, distant one and a-half miles. The ship is headed, west by south. A hurricane is blowing from the south, and the violence of the sea is terrific. Hoisted distress signal at peak and fired rockets,' under topsail and fore-topmast staysail, tho after canvas being blown a.way. " 4 p.m. : Tlie gale is at its height. The crew have cut away the topsail and spread a-tarpaulin on tho mizzen rigging. Using oil through the latrines. Pumping is being continued, but the water is gaining now. Tho crew are being lashed to the fore-rail. “ March 27.—Daylight; The port bulwarks and) stanchions have completely carried away, and the topmast is adrift on tho deck. The main hatch battens have been washed away, and several hatches have been stove in. Pore-braces and rigging have parted, and tho yards are swinging dangerously- Tho steward and cabin boy are provisioning the boats. The captain’s wife, with a lifebelt, has been brought up to the deckhouse near the starboard boat.

“10 a.m. i Tho captain’s wife has been brought to the poop. Heavy seas are breaking over the deckhouse. The men are stationed at the boats.

“Later: Suddenly tho ship plunged without warning and sank by the head, heeling rapidly over to port as she disappeared. Both boats were washed of! tho deckhouse. Tho port boat was fouled) by the wreckage, drowning all the occupants save one. The last thing seen by those standing on the poop was several people clinging to the wreckage, waving piteously. We were helpless -and) unable to get near them.”