ISABELLA DE FRAINE LOST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19999, 16 July 1928, Page 11

ISABELLA DE FRAINE LOST.

•i. ( ; . CREW OF EIGHT PERISH. VESSEL SWIFTLY ENGULFED. VAIN SEARCH FOR SURVIVORS Eight lives were lost when the auxiliary schooner Isabella de Frainc capsized at the entrance to Hokianga Harbour at' four o'clock on Saturday afternoon. The victims comprised the entire crew of the vessel. It is the gravest maritime disaster in the history of New Zealand coastal shipping since the steamer Ripple foundered with the loss of 17 lives off Cape Palliser on August 7, 1924. The vessel was approaching the entrance to the harbour when she was suddenly caught by the wind and a heavy swell, turning completely over. The captain was thrown from the rigging, and with the other members of the ship's complement was sucked under the water as the vessel turned over. Witnesses of the foundering feaw no sign of the crew after the schooner capsized. For twenty minutes the vessel drifted in an upturned position, a helpless derelict, and then she turned slowly over and sank. The tide was running almost full when the schooner attempted to take the bar, and why she hesitated and did not go straight through is baffling to seamen who have learned the story of the wreck from eye-witnesses. It is suggested that perhaps the rudder became loose, and it is stated that when the vessel turned over no ruddei was seen. . This swift drama of the sea was witnessed by Captain Mitchell, harbourmaster, and his assistant, Mr. Bryers, but they were powerless to do anything, and they were alone in an isolated part of the coastline. They at once reported the wreck to nearby townships, and by nightfall many search parties had been organised. Throughout the hours of darkness and again yesterday, tho rugged coastline was combed, the searchers impelled by a faint hope of some of the crew having reached the shore. But their efforts were in vain, the only evidence of the disaster being portions of the wreckage and cargo washed ashore.