CYCLONIC GALE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 168, 15 June 1928, Page 7

CYCLONIC GALE

DAMAGE IN AUSTRALIA. SEVEN LOST IN WRECK. ANOTHER VESSEL ASHORE. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, ( June 14. The most severe cyclonic galo for years is raging, causing widespread damage in the suburbs. Houses have been unroofed and windows smashed. Telegraphic and telephonic communication is interrupted, while many of the low-lying districts are flooded. On the harbour a number of big steamers dragged their anchors, hut a fleet of tugs averted disaster. At Newcastle the gale struck the city with terrific force, causing heavy damage. A man viewing the storm came into contact with a live wire which had been blown down and was electrocuted. There are terrific seas along the coast, and coastal and overseas vessels are delayed. Many of the former are sheltering. A small coastal steamer, the White Bay, left Sydney last night for Lake Maeguarrie, and after battling for hours with the storm at Morna Point, 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 bribade then tried to reach the wreck, but failed.

SOLE SURVIVOR

THRILLING STORY TOLD,

BATTLE WITH HIGH SEAS

Received June 15, 9.10 a.in

NEWCASTLE, June 15

Seven lives are believed to be lost as the result of the wreck of the White Bay. Dradsee Guiseppi, aged 36, the sole survivor, was discovered washed up on the beach twelve miles north of Newcastle. He told a thrilling story of the little vessel’s battle with the high seas and the futile attempt to run to safety.

Waves swept her and when the holds filled with water she turned over and sank in a few seconds.

Guiseppi supported himself on a piece of planking, but eventually lie swam ashore. He never saw another man after the vessel sank. W. Bond was the Master, C. Ellul, the engineer; D. Searei and L. Decarlo were firemen; F. Badalot, the cook ; and F. Colombo, a seaman. One name is not known. News has been received that another coastal vessel, the Uralla, is ashore four miles from where the White Bay went down.

The Uralla is high on the beach and thero' are big seas. The crew of seventeen refused to come .ashore by the rocket line. They will probably land to-day. F. O’Bierne is master of the Uralla, which belongs to the North Coast Steam Navigation Company. She is 529 tons gross and 153 feet long.