WRECK OF A LINER.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1923, Page 5

WRECK OF A LINER.

ASHORE IN DENSE FOG.. PASSENGERS ASLEEP. ALL LEAVE LN BOATS. FEW LIVES LOST. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Capetown, April 29. The mystery surrounding the wreck of the liner Mossamedes, which was found abandoned at Cape Frio, was dispelled by the arrival of a Portuguese gunboat at Port Mossamedeo (Portuguese West Africa) with 110 survivors. Eighty-four others were also landed at the port by the Alexandre. The French gunboat, Cassiopee, also picked up 33. The chief officer (Mr. Paulino) states that the vessel, in a dense fog, struck the rocks 300 yards from the shore on the morning of April 24. It was pitch dark, with a rough sea, and the passen gers were all asleep. A panic ensued but, owing to the efforts of the captain, soon subsided. When dawn broke the passengers were huddled on deck but, notwithstanding wireless calls, there was no sign of help. The boats were quickly provisioned and lowered, women and children first.

"When the fourth boat was being lowered the tackle gave way, and ail the occupants were flung into the sea; seven were drowned. The chief officer plunged into the sea and rescued thirteen.

The captain remained with the ship till 2 o’clock in the afternon, when he decided to abandon it. as there was fio chance of boats landing, owing to the heavy surf. They proceeded ?n a northerly direction and ’ suffered much before rescued from the intense heat in the daytime and bitter cold at night. The Government authorities and residents, of Mossamedes are doing their utmost for their comfort and the Government buildings have been placed at their disposal.