OVERDUE BARQUENTINE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3007, 1 November 1911, Page 13

OVERDUE BARQUENTINE.

AUCKLAND, October 23. The complete absence of news concerning the whereabouts of the steel barquentine Mary Isabel, out some 44 days on the voyage from Whangape to Sydney with a cargo of 286,000 ft of kauri timber, has intensified the anxiety felt as to tha safety of the vessel. While concerned over the delay Mr R. S. Lamb, of the Lamb shipping line, tha managing owners, told a reporter this morning that he was hopeful of tha barquentine turning up safely. She ij admirably found, a fine sea vessel and well provisioned, and there is a capable crew aboard of 10 men. The suggestion thaj the vessel had been dismasted was looked upon by Mr Lamb as possible, but he wai of opinion that Captain Cooper would b« equal to the occasion, and be able to rig a jury mast. The discovery of a mask floating upright some 43 miles off Capa Farewell could not, he thought, be con, nected in any way with the Mary Isabel, Assuming that the barquentine had capsized, the load of timber she was carrying would cause her to float, and tha mast would not be in the position described. The fact, too, that the derelict was covered with marine growth showed that it must have been in the water for a longer time than the belated vessel has been out. The Mary Isabel also carried a reserve store of provisions, including biscuits, flour, and tinned meats, that would be sufficient to last over three months. Mr Lamb was confidently of the opinion that the vessel would turn up safely, although he admitted that the circumstances at present gave cause for anxiety.