WRECK OF A MAIL STEAMER.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 10, 14 January 1901, Page 2

WRECK OF A MAIL STEAMER.

A THRILLING EXPERIENCE.

PASSENGERS HALF STARVED AND LASHED TO THE RIGGING.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Jan. 11. The mailboat Russia, running between Oran, Algeria, and French ports, has been wrecked on the Turanian Rocks, off Marseilles. A high sea baffled the efforts to rescue one of hundred of the crew and passengers clinging to the bows. After four days all were saved. London, Jan. 12. The mailboat Russia, wrecked upon the Taraman Rocks, off Marseilles, had passengers and crew numbering a hundred, who wore rescued after four days’ clinging to the wrock. The details show that the vessel had been falling to pieces aft ever since Monday, and that the hull has been rolling about, the sea invading her. The passengers were half-starved, and were lashed occasionally to the rigging. Superhuman efforts were made to rescue the lives of those on board, and the efforts to rescue were watched with frenzy and suspense. The forehold on Thursday was alone dry, the bulkhead and watertight compartments preventing a collapse. The wind having shifted the lifeboats were able to get to the wreok, and rescued all aboard at dawn on Friday. Tho disaster was duo to those on board mistaking the Taraman for the Plenier light. Twenty steamers have been similarly lost previously, with many hands.