S.S. Takyui Wrecked.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 96, 23 December 1913, Page 5

S.S. Takyui Wrecked.

STRUCK A SUNKEN ROCK.

SLIPPED INTO THE RACING SEA.

[By electric telegraph—UopyrightJ [United Prkhs Assoout.'-n.J 'Vicing. December 22.

The China Navigation Company's steamer Takyui was wrecked on Saturday. It is believed that over 170 people, mostly collies, were drowned.

The vessel struck a sunken rock off Reef Island late at night. Next morning a Japanese patrol boat and two tenders came to her assistance, and found that the Takyui had a strong Ust. The passengers, chiefly collies, had crowded to the forefront, widen tilted in tae air. Owing to a heavysea running, the boats were unable to give any assistance

After Banging on i.;i3 Rocks tfii MiCiday the doomeu vessel slipped into the sea and disappeared. Six people were subsequently rescued, nearly dead from exposure, from the island. The master of the Takyui. Captain Thoresen, states that after the vessel struck, the engines were kept going in order to keep the vessel on the rock. Orders were given to launch the life-boats, but'crowds of panicstricken coolies rushed the lifeboats, making it impossible to move them from their chocks. The Takyui continued to pound on the rock, until she filled' with water. Then shs Slipped into Deep Water.

Many shrieking coolies were quickly swallowed by the'.raging sea. Thirtysix, including the captain and another European, managed to gain the island safely. The captain, the chief officer, the quartermaster, and a steward made a raft. After driftiing for hours they were driven ashore. They almost perished from exposure and hunger.