THE WRECK OF THE S.S. GANGES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 558, 14 October 1882, Page 14

THE WRECK OF THE S.S. GANGES.

On September 21, the s.s. Dorunda, from Cooktown to Brisbane, passed the wreck of the Ganges, from Melbourne for Calcutta, with horses. The Ganges Struck on the Cockburn Reef, off Cape Priswell, on September 15, at 8 o'clock. About high water efforts were made to get the steamer off. but they were unavailing All the horses were jettisoned. The cargo, and about 60 horses still alive, were on the reef when the Dorunda passed. There was no possibility of saving them. The vessel was nearly dry forward, auite dry amidships, and there was about 40ft of water astern. The ship was making no water, and hopes were entertained of getting her off at the spring tides unless heavy winds set in. The steamer Ganges has been very unfortunate in her career in theAus-, tralian trade. On her first voyage from Melbourne to London she got ashore, and had to jettison a portion: of her cargo of wool, and, on arrival at Sydney re-, cently from China, extensive repairs had to be effected to one of the cylinders. Captain Atkinson, who brought her out first, had to give up command on 1 reaching home, and Captain Blaik. v/ho succeeded him, was relieved of his duty at Sydney, and died here while on his way back to London. Captain Webster, who is at present in charge, is the second master who has been appointed since Captain, Blaik left. Thfl insurance offices will sustain a loss, as th«'

horses on board were' insured for £7OOO, and the freight for £SOOO. The shipment was a very fine one, and the Ganges was chartered with a view to the venture being quick as well as successful.