THE WEST AUSTRALIAN STORM

Southland Times, Issue 17002, 28 March 1912, Page 5

THE WEST AUSTRALIAN STORM

LOSS OF THE CROWN OF ENGEAND.

AND OTHER MISHAPS. [ ~ [By Telegraph.—Presi Association.—Copyright. ] ~PERTH, March 27. Details of the Balia Balia disaster telephoned Jo Roebourne show that when struck by the cyclone the Crown of England had two anchors down, and the life boats in readiness. • One cable snapped; the vessel swung sideways, and drifted on the rocks on Depuch Island. The sea • sweeping over her, the crewtook refuge in the rigging. At daybreak the captain ordered the crew to try to gain the shore- as the vessel was breaking up. They took to the surf, and eight were drowned. All the bodies were recovered.

•the captain of ; the barque Concordia, seeing that the anchors were unable to hold, steered on a sandy beach. The vessel Is practically undamaged.

The mail .steamers at .Fremantle endeavoured unsuccessfully to communicate with the Koombana by wireless.

FATE OF THE KOOMtfANA.

PERTH, March 27, Received- March 27, 9.20 p.m.

The Postal Department is working strenuously to restore telegraphic communication north of Rooburn Port headland, where, it is possible, . the Koombana is sheltering. The station .was spoken for a moment, but the line immediately failed again. A rumour has been circulated that a steamer Is

ashore on the ninety mile beach. X. ATE ST ADVICES. NO TRACE OF THE KOOMBANA. PERTH, MaVch 27. Received March 28, 1 a.m. The message received from Port Hedland, despatched at noon via Broome and Port Darwin, states that scarcely any damage has been done at Port Hedland, but it Is estimated that 32 whites and 40 coloured persons have been-, drowned by the cyclone. The Bullarra has returned to Port Hedland. having been unable to find any trace of the Koombana, which is now- seven days out from Port Hedland to Broome. The trip generally occupies 24 hours.