WRECK OF THE KAMERAKU.

Patea Mail, Volume X, Issue 121, 20 October 1897, Page 2

WRECK OF THE KAMERAKU.

Sydney, Oct. 18. The Kameruka struck on Pedro Beach, >SO yards from the shore, on a rocky point, at midnight. The night was clear and starlight. * After several attempts to get lines aboard, Captain Sutherland, of the Moruya, showing great bravery, plunged into the sea, but was washed back after a gallant struggle, in an unconscious con> dition. Eventually at daylight a line was got ashore from the wreck. The passengers had spent a weary horror-stricken night clinging about the deck, while frequently washed by seas. Both crew and passengers, however, behaved splendidly, the ladies especially showing great coolness. As soon as communication was established a cradle was rigged, and the past sengers one by one brought safely ashore. Hundreds gathered on the beach assisting. When the vessel struck the shock was so severe that it threw many passengers out of bed, several being severely bruised. Captain Hersle was pitched from the bridge, and sustained a severe injury to his head. He was unconscious when landed, and was taken to the hospital. One account states that after all other attempts had failed to send a line ashore, pigs, of which the cargo partly consisted, wore utilised, some of the animals with the signal halliards made fast to them swimming to the land. The vessel is full of water, and lies in a dangerous position, and will probably break up. She is only partly insured. The passengers escaped with only what :hcy stood in.