DISASTROUS WRECK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3487, 11 January 1921, Page 16

DISASTROUS WRECK.

HEAVY LOSS OF LIFE. LONDON. January 4. The missing steamer Santa Isabel, of Barcelona, was wrecked at Corunna (on the coast 'of Spain, 30 rniies north-east of Santiago). MADRID, January 4. The Spanish steamer Santa Isabel, from the Canary Islands, carrying passengers, was totally wrecked off the coast of Villa Garcia. Forty-five survivors, including the captai, have landed. Official: The Santa Isabel’s death roll is 244. The saved include 27 members of the crew and 29 passengers. BOATS SMASHED TO MATCHWOOD. MADRID, January 5. The Santa Isabel struck at 2 o’clock in the morning. There were appalling scenes. Men, women, and children in their night attire struggled desperately for possession of the boats, which were no sooner launched than they were dashed to matchwood on the rocks. Many plunged into the sea, and were either drowned or battered to death on the rocks. Others stuck to the ship. Whole families were shrieking and praying. They clung together and disappeared as the vessel split in twain and sank. The death roll amounts to 250. The survivors number 51. Many of the latter were severely mutilated, and are not expected to live. When the Santa Isabel struck she heeled over, and lay broadside to the waves, many passengers being washed away. Three boats were launched, but they were dashed on the rocks. The forward part of the ship broke away, and gradually sank. The chaplain climbed up the mast and addressed the survivors, commending their souls to Providence, until he was engulfed. Among the passengers were 50 children.