THE SARAGOSSA WRECK.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5372, 3 September 1904, Page 5

THE SARAGOSSA WRECK.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. PRESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, September 2. 1 Additional particulars of the wreck of the four-masted barque Saragossa, at Margaia Island, show that the vessel was under charter to Messrs ,1. and J. Moore, of San Francisco. At 4,20 o’clock on the morning of 14th August, breakers were reported ahead and on the lee bow. The captain attempted to get clear, but the vessel’s keel touched the reef, and she went broadside on, bumping heavily. A thick haze enveloped the barque, and heavy seas broke over her. The fore, main, and mizzen masts were all carried away. The boats could not bo launched owing to the heavy sea. Several attempts were made to get a line ashore by swimming, but all failed, and the seaman who attempted the feat was hauled aboard. Rockets were also used unsuccessfully. Eventually at 10 o’clock a line was got ashore on floating timber, and was secured by the natives and Europeans, a largo crowd having assembled on the beach. A travelling swing was then rigged, up, and by this means all hands were got ashore with the exception of Jones, a sailmaker, who fell from the rigging, to the deck, and was killed. Captain Duncan, who is seventy years of age, severely injured his back. The wreck was sold for ,£lO 7s 6d.