DESTRUCTION OF 'A SHIP BY FIRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 681, 29 July 1870, Page 2

DESTRUCTION OF 'A SHIP BY FIRE.

The destruction of a ship by fire is at all times a most appalling spectacle, but when it is known that a number of fellow creatures have also perished it becomes doubly so; and in one of those terrible dramas the Murray (just arrived in our waters) played an important part, although she was powerless to rescue many from the devastating elements. Capfc. Begg gives a graphic description of the occurrence, from which it - appears that on the night of May 26, in lat: 23deg. 40min. S., long,! 37deg. 50min. W., one of the hands at the masthead reported a singular illumination astern, and on closer ■ inspection the reflection became more apparent, and after a short interval it was affirmed to be a ship on fire. In order to . clearly ascertain the truth, the Murray's course was changed, and all sail made. The distance was then computed at 30 miles, and after sailing for an hour there was imme- ; diately seen to be a vessel on fire, and in the-' excessive darkness of the night it was indeed a most appalling spectacle, as a nearer approach disclosed the form of a large ship being devoured by the flames, which shot high aloft lighting up for an immense distance the surrounding gloom. At 2 a.m. the distance was considerably lessened, and the Murray closed with the burning wreck, having previously prepared her boats for lowering, with hands at the davit-falls, and every possible arrangement was made to meet the emergencies of the case. Then a bitter cry came from the watery darkness, and a boat was lowered, maintopsail hove back, and a gallant crew pulled away into the shade of night towards the sound. There was found a water-logged boat, with four men clinging to her, whilst every wave rolled completely over them. Subsequently, it was known that this boat had been lowered from the burning ship, and a rush of passengers made to her ; consequently she filled, and only four survivors were left to tell their miserable tale. The Murray remained close to the burning spectacle until daylight, when she stood towards the vessel, which was one mass of flame from stem to stern. Her masts were gone, and the deck fore and aft added fuel to the fire, and as day dawned it was seen with delight that three other vessels had been attracted to the scene, and as the ship drifted down on her, people were seen clinging to a wreck of floating spars which huag to windward. A schooner was near, which sent away a boat to assist, and the 'Murray 'b boats were also engaged in the work of rescue. Although a strong breeze was '"blowing, all but two were taken off. At this juncture the wind and sea increased, so as to render it impossible to make further exertions, and the two unfortunates were in such a position that the boats could not get near them, and they seemed quite exhausted, and insensible to the efforts being made to Bave them. The whole scene was of a most exciting and lamentable character, as from subsequent enquiries it was found that the ill-fated ship was the Mannin Bara- - bino, an Italian barque, bound from Genoa to the River Plate, with 150 passengers on board besides the crew. On comparing notes afterwards, it was found that over 120 were lost by fire and water. Of course want of an intimate knowledge of their language rendered it difficult to obtain minute details from survivors, but it was understood that fire Tfrom the cook's galley had by same means -ignited the deck, and the combustion of the cargo, which was mainly spirits, was a very rapid process. Tho fore end of the vessel early blew up, sending the entire foremast and gear over to the windward; and to this providential circumstance may be attributed the salvation of the few saved, for the rope«, sails, spars, and gear served as a kind of raft on which they were buoyed till assistance arrived. The vessels in attendance were the French barque Adele Louise, from Bordeaux to the River Plate; the French barque Caldere, from Havre; and a Dutch schooner, homeward bound. Captain Begg sent his boat to the Adele, which was sailing to the destination of the unfortunates, and he offered to tranship those rescued, supposing the master was inclined to take them on. A supply of provisions and clothes followed, and finally a subscription amongst the passengers supplemented the offer, which was satisfactorily arranged, and after a couple of days' detention the Murray filled away on her course. When the ships parted company the ill-fated craft had burned down to the water's edge, the sea making a half breach over some parts of her, and a heavy S.S.E gale wag anticipated, consequently it is reasonable to suppose that had the assistance not arrived when it did, there would have -been no survivors from the doomed ship. •Amongst the saved were two ladies. To those who were injured the doctor of the Murray attended, with a view to alleviate their Bufferings. The whole affair was of a most harrowing description, but from the inability of the survivors to speak English, the above are the only facts to hand. — South Australian Register, July 12. .