WRECK OF THE RODONDO.

Otago Witness, Issue 2120, 11 October 1894, Page 17

WRECK OF THE RODONDO.

BOATS RUSHED BY THE FIBBHEN. Albany, ODtoVer 9. Tbe Fcbooner Graoe DArling, from Israelite .Bay, reports that she pickfd up a boat containiog 12 survivors of the steamer Rodondo, bound from Adelaide to Albany. The Rodondo struck on Pollock R*ef, off Cape Arid, at 2 a.m. on Sunday, ar.d became a total wreck. The exact number drowned is unknown, but all the crew and officera were saved. One passenger shot himself while in the water. The boat picked up left South«ast Island in oharge of the chief offiaer to get aßsist«Doe, Those in her were living for 24 hours on one biscuit and a chop each. After picking tip the boat the schooner . made for the south-east of the island. At , dawn the Rodondo's boat's orew left her to < try«nd bring the oarvivora from the island, but owing to the "heavy sea running they were unable to effect a landing. Further particulars show that the vessel .struck in jmooth water, floated for 12 hours, and then Bank stern foremost. The .pasBeepers were in a pitiable plight with regard , to clothing. The survivors left the steamer in seven boats and two rafts. It is marvellous how 'they got ashore, as the spot scarcely affords a landing -even for teals. In the morning the boats were able .to communicate with tbe schooner. The firat to reach her was a boatload of women ' and children. The officers and crew worked their hardest, and by neon all were safely transferred to tbe sobooner. The conduct of tbe firemen was most disgraceful. When the ship s+ruck they and a number of the passengers rushed to the boats. Their weight broke down the davits, and all were hurled into the water, some paying the penalty with their lives. The snip's papers were saved. The second officer had the tops of two of his fingera taken off. So far as can be ascertained, the missing passengers are Messrs Falls, Parry, and Wormwood. 'Those saved Dumber 160 passengers and 36 of trie crew. One passenger lost 300 sove- , reigns. The Rodondo was far out of her course, which as accounted for by a large boiler carried on deck affecting .her compasses. Captain Hill, oommander of the Rodondo, was formerly connected with tbe New Zealand .and Newcastle coal trade. The steamer is insured for its full "vahie at Lloyd's. It is believed that the missing passenger hails from Sydney. '" Gisborne. October 9. Among the passengers by tns Rodondo were two 'Gisborne young men, Tod Witty and Arthur Martin, who are on their way to CoolgarHie. A cable received here to-day by Mr Witty states that both were rescued.