CYCLONE DEATHS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1934, Page 5

CYCLONE DEATHS

QUEENSLAND COAST

DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT £40,000

(Australian Press Association)

(Received this day at 11.23 a- m -)

BRISBANE, March 15,

A cyclone, which swept the north Queensland coast on Tuesday morning caused ten known deaths, while a number of others are also feared. The lugger, Mildred, foundered between Schnapper Island and- Gape Tribulation, about thirty-five miles from Cooktown. 'A man, his wife and four children, two other women and two men- were drowned. Some others of the vessel’s company swam ashore, including the captain. All vessels engaged in beche-dc-mer and trochus shell fishing are making for Townville.

An lairman, who was searching for the missing launch Mossman, reported the loss of the Mildred, but learned nothing of the launch, and it is feared she and a number of other luggers have been overwhelmed by the cyclone. The wreck of the Mossman was later discovered sixty-seven miles north from Cairns, but the crew’s fate is unknown.

The ]Clinches, Quest and Trinity, i?.re among five other vessels missing. Great damage was done ashore in* the Da intree district, large areas of scrub nml bushland being flattened and seven:! houses wrecked. A sawmill was unroofed and timber stacks were scattered.

The damage is estimated at about £40,000.