Wreck of the Rodonda.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 213, 10 October 1894, Page 3

Wreck of the Rodonda.

By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

Per Press Association.

Albany, October 9. Tho schooner Grace Darling, from Israelite Bay, reports that she picked up a boat containing 12 survivors of the steamer Rodondo, bound from Adelaide to Albany. She struck on Pollock Reef, off Cape Arid, at 2 a.m., on Sunday, and became a total wreok. The exact number drowned i* unknown, but all the crew and officers were saved. One passanger shot himself while in the water. The boat picked up left the south-east of the island in charge of tho chief officer to get assistance. Those in her were 24 hours on one biscuit and a chop each. After picking up tho boat the schooner made South-East Island at dawn. The Rodondo's boat crew left her to try and bring the survivors from the island, but owing to a heavy sea were unable to effect a landing. Particulars show that the vessel struck in smooth water and floated for 12 hours and then sank, stern foremost. The passengers 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 for seals. Later in the morning boats were able to communicate with the schooner. First to reach her was a boat load of women and children, and the officers and crew working their hardest, by noon all were safely transferred. Thejeonduct of the firemen was most disgraceful when the ship struck. They, with a number of passengers, rushed two boats, and their weight broke down the davits, and all wore hurled into the water, some paying the penalty with their lives. The ship's papers were saved. The second officer had two fingers taken off. So far as can be ascertained the missing passengers are Me6ssrs Falls, Parry, and Wormwood. Those saved number a hundred and sixty passengers and thirtysix of the crew. Oue passenger lost three hundred sovereigns. The Rodondo was far out of her course, which is accounted for by a large boiler carried on deck affecting the compass. Received o‘lo p.m. Albany, This Day. Fitzgerald, a passenger by the Rodondo. displayed great bravery. The same man distinguished himself in the wreck of the Oothenberg in 1886. The survivors are now camping at Point Malcolm awaiting a relief steamer. Captain Hall alleges the four passengers who lost their lives owed it to their own rashness in rushing the boats. Some of the people suffered from exposure. Wellington, This Day. Capt Hall, of tho Rodondo, commanded the ship Wellington when she and the Cyrus were driven ashore near island Bay ; lie afterwards lost another sailing vessel, and entering the I'nion Coy’s service met with a mishap which involved dismissal. lie then became third mate on one of the Howard. Smith's ships. Notwithstanding his unfortunate career he bore the reputation of being a painstaking, capable seaman. Napier, This Day. A cable ha* been received announcing the safety of all en hoard the Rodondo who booked from here except J. White, tho missing single man who was formerly employed on the breakwater.