THE WRECK OF THE GEELONG.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8988, 28 February 1888, Page 6

THE WRECK OF THE GEELONG.

GALLANT CONDUCT OF THE CAPTAIN. o>*E of the passengers (Mr. John Bridge) gives the following interesting narrative of the wreck of the steamer Geelong, on the passage from Townsville to Brisbane " I left Townsville on Wednesday by the Geelong, the wind then blowing rather heavily From south, and increasing in force. The progress of the vessel was consequently rather slow. The following day (Thursday) the weather was extremely rough. After passing through Whitsunday Passage the storm was so violent that the Geelong made little progress. She was therefore brought to under the shelter of an island. The wind was then from south, and increasing every minute, but the water where the steamer was lying was comparatively calm. On Friday morning the storm, was increasing, and it was impossible, by reason of the heavy driving rain and sea breaking over the vessel, to see the island, although we were quite close to it. The barometer still falling between three and four o'clock in the afternoon, showing that the worst, of the storm had yet to be experienced, the captain was in doubt as to the best course to pursue, as the storm was increasing and the anchors were dragging, the sea breaking right over the steamer, and night coming on. He made various attempts to gain better shelter, but without avail. Finally he decided to beach the vessel, in order to save the lives of those on board, and at about seven o'clock he ran her ashore on the Island; the storm was so furious that I think but for this action the steamer would certainly have foundered. She went ashore pretty gently, there being about 100 yards of water between the beach and the vessel when she struck. Captain Junner, without the slightest hesitation, jumped into the sea with a heaving line round his waist, to which was attached a wire rope. This he made fast on shore, and by this means most of the crew and passengers were taken from the vessel. The captain went backwards and forwards along the line, and never for one moment flagged in hi 3 exertions to save the lives of those under his charge. The mate and a seaman tried to get to shore in a boat, but were immediately swamped and drowned. The stewardess, in getting to shore along the rope, let go, and was subsequently washed on to the beach in an insensible condition ; she revived after a few hours, and stated that she was quite unconscious of what had taken place after leaving the steamer's side. I did not go ashore myself, but preferred to remain on the vessel, as she seemed to be holding together fairly well. I stayed in my cabin most of the time till the storm increased to such a height that I thought it advisable to get to the bridge to be ready if the worst happened. I had the utmost difficulty in getting safely to the bridge, the sea washing right over the vessel, and I was knocked down several times, besides receiving severe blows from the wreckage, which was being washed about the deck. Soon after leaving the cabin, which was situated on the deck, it was washed away, and with it the whole of my baggage. I was left with the fur rugs I had on me, and came ashore at Townsville without a hat. I put a life-belt around me, and remained on tho bridge all night. The darkness was intense, .and after anyone who went ashore by the line disappeared over the ship's side it was quite impossible to see or know whether he had made land in safety. At about daylight the storm abated, and some passengers came back to look for their luggage. I consider Captain Junner exhibited courage and presence of mind of the highest order throughout the whole of the affair. He was about' the only man on board who seemed" to know what to do, and he behaved like a Briton. One of the officers and a few of the crew remained on the vessel, instead of going a.shore. The captain's behaviour was only on a par with his action in connection with the wreck of the Cahors, at which time he was mate of the Burwah.