BLOWN OUT TO SEA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2086, 15 February 1894, Page 36

BLOWN OUT TO SEA.

A boat ahead, sir," reported the lookout to the officer of the watch on board the steamer Yarrawonga, as that vessel was steaming down the west coast of Africa on her way from London to Australia. It was a sweltering hot day at Onristmas time, but the announcement so far from land roused all the people onboard into activity. As the steamer neared the boat it was seen that there were three occupants— negroes, who appeared to be in a half-starved condition Theonly food that could be found in the boat was » little piece offish, which was in a most unsavoury state. Captain Thomas took the men out of the boat, and attempted to lift it on deck, but the gear carried away, and the little vessel fell back into the water and sank. The men, who were from the Gambia, on the west coast of Africa, proved very intelligent, and after a few days managed to make the officers acquainted with their story. The boat left land on a coasting voyage with seven occupants, and had met with contrary winds, which blew her out to sea The sails were blown away, and the little food and water were coon exhausted. Four of the crew died from starvation and exposure, and how the survivors found means of sustenance for the 15 days they were without food is a mystery, which the officers of the Yarrawonga have not been able to elucidate. The men will be taken to London by Captain Thomas, so that they can be forwarded to their native land. When the boat was picked up it was about 150 miles south-west of Sierra Leone.