THE ARAMAC DISASTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12524, 17 March 1904, Page 5

THE ARAMAC DISASTER.

ALL HANDS SAVED. - '■'• By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright,, Brisbane,, March 16. The Tinana had a difficult task in rescuing the Aramac. A mountainous sea was running, and it was only after great, trouble that the dingey managed to get a hawser on board. The boat smashed into the side of the ship when returning, but the occupants were hauled on board and the Aramao slipped her anchor. The Tinana, against a head wind and a heavy sea, then towed her into smooth water. Captain Butcher and the others on board" the Aramac had a bad time after the boats left. The seas increased in force, and they did not expect to last through the night, but hourly thought that they would go to the bottom. The Tinana arrived just in time, as the water was gradually gaining, and the deck pumps only were available to keep it down. Most of the cargo is in good order, including two horses. The Aramac's Rockhampton cargo will be lightered, and then probably the steamer will be beached and examined. If it is thought that she can stand the strain she will be brought to Brisbane and docked. ' One of the occupants of the fifth boat, | which was picked up off Gateombe Head, states that their boat drifted north in company with the boatswain's boat. The twe remained moored to a raft till Monday morning, when the fifth boat was cast adrift, leaving the boatswain's boat. All the survivors are well. The missing boat contains eighteen men only. The s.s. Barcoo has arrived at Cape Capricorn with the Aramac's sixth, boat. All of the Aramac's passengers are now saved. (Received March 17, 12.5 a.m.) Brisbane, March 16.: r The inmates of the Aramac's boats, though they suffered severely owing to the rough sea and their cramped condition, on the whole escaped without any serious consequents Only one lite was lost, that of an old man of 80 years, who after the rescue was suffering from dementia and exposure. He was missed, and is supposed to have jumped overboard. . -;■ ■ :'■. ' The rescuing steamers had much difficulty in transferring those in the boats on board in the heavy sea. One or two received slight injuries. : . : ;'-... - [BY TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION/} CHRISX9HURCH, Wednesday. The Premiet has received the following telegram from the Premier of the Commonwealth :—" appreciate your kind sympathy regarding Aramac. Happy to inform you that all boats are now safe, the last having been picked up this morning by the steamer Barcoo.—Deakinv Melbourne.. "