LOST IN THE PACIFIC.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4, 31 July 1918, Page 7

LOST IN THE PACIFIC.

CASTAWAYS REACH DOMINION. Per Press Association. Auckland, July Captain Vaughan and two of the crew of the barque John Murray, which was wrecked at Maiden Island, arrived by the Makura, en route to Australia. Captain Vaughan said that, on May 21st, at night, the weather being fine, a terrific crash threw the crew off their feet. Though it was pitch dark, ho saw white foam on a reef amidships. The main top-gallant crashed on to the deck, followed by the ton/ topmast. An examination ■showed that t-ho barque's bottom was stove in. Two boats were smartly launched, and the crew landed on an island which was only ton feet above the water. Two' hours later the vessel, which" .broke up rapidly, disappeared entirely. "We traversed the island," said Captain Vaughan, "and met the mau«ger,>>Mr Grice. who fed and housed the men, doing everything possible for their comfort. Nineteen days later the Annie Larson crashed on the , mast crashed to the deck, followed by John Murray. "The Annie Larson's crew landed safely, and joined the John Murray's crew." #> j Captain Vaughan waited for a schooner which was expected in twenty-one 'days. Then ho provisioned the lifeboat, and sailed with two seamen for Fanning Island, and arrived there after thirteen-days' voyage. They suffered no hardship except for being soaked by continuous •heavy rain. They were well eared for at Fanning Island till a steamer bound for Sydney picked them up.