WHITE BAY WRECK

Southland Times, Issue 20539, 16 July 1928, Page 7

WHITE BAY WRECK

BODY WASHED ASHORE SOLE SURVIVOR’S EVIDENCE AT INQUEST VESSEL BUFFETED IN STORM (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, July 14. At the inquest on the body of an Italian seaman washed ashore at Newcastle from the wreck of the White Bay, an Italian seaman, Ricupero, the sole survivor, gave evidence that when the captain found he was unable to make Newcastle he fired rockets. They saw a boat come out from Newcastle, but the White Bay had blown further north and the vessel was unable to give any assistance. The White Bay was blown still further north and as it neared Stockton beach the captain called the firemen out of the hold and instructed the crew to don lifebelts. As they were doing so a great sea struck the ship and she turned over. When witness came to the surface he saw the White Bay keel upwards 25 fathoms from the shore. There was no sign of the captain or crew. Witness swam ashore. A verdict of drowning through shipwreck was returned the Coroner adding that everything humanly possible was done to succour the White Bay, but it was impossible.—Australian Press .Association.