TERRIBLE SUFFERINGS AT SEA.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2092, 16 January 1879, Page 2

TERRIBLE SUFFERINGS AT SEA.

An English paper supplies the following particulars of the stranding and loss of the Liverpool vessel Beauraanoir and the sufferings endured by the crew, five of whom were d? owned, which have been received at Liverpool. The Beanmanoir, a brigantine of 270 tons, originally left Liverpool on a voyage to Havanna, with a cargo of coals and a crew of 10 hands all told. Havanna was safely reached, and her cargo discharged. After taking on board a consignment of sugar, she left Havanna for New York. Severe weather was encountered shortly afterwards, and on the voyage it was blowing with hurricane force, while there was a strong current running with a heavy sea. The weather was hazy and the lights on the coast were obscured. The vessel was driven ashore on the Florida Eeefs, and became a complete loss. All the boats were gone, and the crew constructed a raft; of the wreckage, and they were soon taken away from the scene of the disaster by the strong current. Tremendous seas swept over the raft, to which the poor fellows clung with desperate tenacity. This state of affairs lasted for some tune, until five of them, becoming exhausted and helpless, were washed off the raft and drowned. The remainder by the most vigoious exertions, were enabled to keep on the tiny structure : bat, although their lives were so far spared, they were doomed to frightful suffering. The disaster to the vessel was so sudden and so complete that no time was allowed them to get provisions or water,* and for five days they neither eat nor drank anything. The captain wa3 included in the survivors, and he and the other four were almost maddened by excessive hunger and thirst. Fortunately, when matters had almost assumed their wor=st aspect, the barque Asterea hove in sight, and took the men on board. As already announced, the men were landed by the barque at Qneenstown.