THE CASTAWAYS

Northern Advocate, 10 July 1935, Page 4

THE CASTAWAYS

(Sent in by Kathleen Parker, Church Road, Kaitaia. Aged 14). ' One of the most interesting topics to read about are stories of shipwrecked mariners. The one I like best is “The Wreck of the Dundonald.” In 1907 this ship left Sydney for London with a cargo of wheat , but on March 7, at midnight, while dark ominous clouds were scudding across the sky, she struck the reef at the foot of the cliffs of Disappointment Island. Owing to heavy seas it was impossible to lower the boats, and every body perished except the captain, his son, first and second mate and two or three of the crew. Thinking they were on Auckland Island, the survivors of the Dundonald set out full of hope to find the relief depot where they could live in comparative comfort, secure in the knowledge that sooner or later a Government steamer would rescue them. But they were soon disillusioned. This island was wild and rocky, devoid of vegetation save grass, brambles and stunted scrub. When they climbed to the top of a low hill they glimpsed Auckland Island some six miles away. There was no depot on Disappointment Island and the shipwrecked sailors ate raw mollyhawk and tried to sleep in mud. Some of the men died, but the others shifted to the opposite side of the island. One day, as some of the castaways were walking down the shore, they found some twisted wood which was strong and hard. From this they decided to build a coracle so they could cross the waters to Auckland Island. Near the end of July three of the men crossed over to Auckland Island, but came back to say that it was covered with bush and they could not find the depot. But the men were not disheartened. They set to work and built two more coracles. They again set out , but found it too risky. Later in October they set out on their third attempt. This time they found the depot. Later on a Government steamer rescued them and brought them safely to land and to this day there hangs in the Canterbury Museum the coracle by which these men made their first attempt to cross to Auckland Island. —•Copied.