BURNING OF THE OMAR PASHA.

Otago Witness, Issue 921, 24 July 1869, Page 6

BURNING OF THE OMAR PASHA.

Tho following account of tho loss of this vowel is furnishod by her commander, Lioat. Charles Grey, RN.R.:Tho ihip sailed from Moroton Bay on Feb. 13, and on April 21 was in Int. 27 N., long. 42 W., 70 days out, and there was every prespeot of accomplishing tho remainder of tho voyage in a<>out torn days. A terrible fate, however, awaited the noblo ship. April 22, at 4 30 a. m., tho ship wss under all sail, excepting royals, afresh N.B. brceeo Mowing at the time--lat. 28 N., long. 43 W. The alarm was givon by tho fint offioer that tho ship was on fire about the mala hateu and ohaia looker. All bands and paa<

tangets' were <»Ued' immediately } iail* were reduced to olose -reefed 1 topsails, all pomps set to work, and immense ' quantities of water poured down the lower hold and' the chain locker, through which the flames, smoke, and steam were coming in large volumes already. Officers, men, and passengers, divided into proper gangs, worked bravely, and for some time hopes were entertained to get the flames extinguished. At 8 am, a vessel was seen to the westward, and. the ship was steered at once for her, firing minute guns of distress, and making signals for assistance,. In about an hour she was alongside, the Italian barque, Anita Tagliavia, whose commander promised assistance, and sent his own boats. Another vessel, which subsequently proved to be the Spanish t rig, Maria Eosa, was also bearing down under all canvas, and sent a boat to help as much as possible. In the meantime the crew and passengers exerted themselves to do their utmost at pumps and fire-buckets, or to carry out promptly whatever orders were given. The greatest discipline was maintained on board throughout. Large ■wet sails and tarpaulins were spread over the hatches and decks ; but, however, all labour proved in vain. From B' till about 9 the flames spread more and more in the lower hold, and the great heat set the wool in the between decks on fire ; the steam, probably raised by the burning tallow, became so alarming that the after and main hatches' were opened to prevent an explosion. After much trouble and considerable danger the wool on fire in the main and after hatches was got oat and thrown overboard, and had the fire been only confined to the between decks the ship would have been saved. About 10 it became evident that no human power could save the unfortunate ship ; the flames were already breaking through several parts of the main deck, the smoke and steam became worse and worse every minute. The passengers were ordered to get themselves ready to leave the ship — the boats were got ready also, each in charge of one officer. In the meantime the purser, steward, and four men were employed getting provisions out of the Btore-rooms aft ; as the barque had only a very limited supply of stores, it was most important to provide food for bo many people. At about 11 a.m., the transhipment of passengers to the Italian barque commenced, not without danger or difficulty, as the breeze had freshened considerably. The sea was running high at the time ; however, owing to the greatest order and strict discipline, all women and ohildren were safely transferred to the barque ; then followed all male passengers, with as muoh of their luggage as could be saved in bo short a time. After having them all in safety, the boats continued carrying provisions. About 1.30 p.m. the main deck from the poop to the foremast, the front of poop, and part of saloon, were one mass of names, the mainmast was burning as far as the top, and began to sway to and fro with every roll, and it became dangerous for those still working on board (the captain, Mr Beattie, third officer, Mr Stepheni-on, sailmaker, and Cornie, quarter, master) to stay any longer. The helm was put hard down, and lashed to keep the burning ship hove to. The three men were lowered into the cutter waiting astern, aud the captain, followed them shortly afterwards. After keeping some time a little to windward to witness the rapid progress of destruction of the unfortunate ship, the boat pulled alongsido the Italian barque, and Bail was made, in company of the Spanish brig, for a barque in sight to the N.N.E., as there were very few provinions and little water on board of both vessels, besides no reom to accommodate such a number of passengers and crew. At 5.30 p.m. hove-to alongside the British barque Queen of the North. About this time the Omar Pasha had burnt to the water's edge. All masts had fallen over the port side, and about 7.30 pm. she went down stern foremost. The Queen of the North, bound for London, about 609 tons, took nine passengers and the first officer, and the Spanish brig Maria Kosa, about 250 tons, bound for Malaga, 12 men and the Becond offioer. The rest remained on board tho small Italian barque, although only 400 tonß. Although botu foreign shipß, tho greatest kindness was shown to every one. Captain, officers, and orew shared willingly whatever they had on bo»rd. In faot, their oonduot throughout deserves the highest praise. About 8 p.m. the passengers and their luggage wero transferred, and the three vowels parted company. On the 25th of April the French barque Bella Virgime, from the East indies, bound to Marseilles, assisted tho Anita Tagliavia with as muoh -water as could bo spared. On tho 2tsth the captain of the German brig Aguste, from Buenos Ayrcs, bound to Havre, took very kindly nine (passengers and orow) on board, and tho same afternoon a large ship hovo in sight to the westward. At 5 p.m. the ship Zelandia, from Callao, bound to Cork, bore down upon tho Italian barque, and hove to alongside. Her commandor, Captain B. Mutton, at once offered to take all passengers and orew, and in an hour every one was safely on board of his large ebip. After mutual good wishes, both veaaols stood on their courses with a fair wind. The 4th May the Zolandia passed Corvo, bearing S. 90 miles, and had strong westerly gales till the 7tb, lat. 46 N., long. 21 W. Eight days fresh easterly broeses followed, and tho ressel had to bout taok for taok to lat 50 N., long. 12 W. A light southerly breeze brought the ship into Cork Har our. The passengers and crew wero landed. Before concluding* I must express publicly my best thanks for tho kladncn shown to me and my passengers by Captain Trefl » otti.