TWO SHIPWRECKS NEAR MELBOURNE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 606, 12 May 1891, Page 2

TWO SHIPWRECKS NEAR MELBOURNE.

AN EXTRAORDINARY AFFAIR. SACRIFICE OF LIFE AND PROPERTY. Melbourne. On May 8 two vessels, the Craigburn (Wellington to Melbourne) and the Joseph Scannell (New York to Melbourne) went ashore. The Craigburn drifted ashore near the heads through the rope breaking when the tug was towing her; the anchors were cast, but did not hold her. The other vessel struck on a reef near Queenscliffe. Both are expected to become total wrecks, and some life has been lost. Later. The ship Joseph Scatnmell has become a total wreck near Cape Otway, but the crew reached the shore in the ship’s boats. The Craigburn lies in a dangerous position, and is within 200 yards of the breakers. Tugs were sent out from Melbourne, and are in attendance on the disabled vessel. The Joseph Scammell was valued at /jio.ooo and her cargo at /60,000. The boats in which the crew saved their lives were launched with great difficulty. The four-masted ship Craigburn came ashore during the night. Fourteen of the crew left the ship in one boat and stood out to sea. Fifteen in another boat attempted to land on the beach, but the boat capsized four times and five of the occupants were drowned. The captains of the tugs which were sent from Melbourne to render assistance immediately the casualty was reported made several offers to tow the ship clear of the breakers, but the captain firmly declined to accept the proffered help. The pilot who was on board the Craigburn strongly protested against the action of the captain, and gave orders for the tugs to take the vessel in tow, at the same time locking the captain up in his cabin, but then the carpenter refused to supply steam to the winches with which to hoist the anchors A few minutes later the tugs, being unaware that the anchors were not up, went ahead, but carried everything away. The pilot then left the ship, ano the captain again took possession. She soon began to bump heavily, and the crew made preparations to leave her. The captain declined to go ashore with the men, and most of the crew took to the boats, the captain, chief mate, carpenter, and one seaman remaining. AU who left in the boats arrived safely except those named Blackburn, Whitefield, Johnston, McKearson, and McFarlane. Many of the survivors were severely injured. The rocket brigade fired a line across the ill-fated vessel for the purpose of rescuing those on board. The carpenter was the first to make the attempt, and though he was completely covered by the waves twice, he was landed safely. The captain followed, and after a hard struggle he reached the shore in an unconscious state. The mate declined to make the attempt and McKenzie {the sailor) remained on board with him. Eventually the vessel began to break up rapidly, and when only two of the four masts were left standing the mate and McKenzie agreed to risk getting ashore by means of the rocket brigade line. The latter was landed safely, but the mate was drowned.