A TERRIBLE DISASTER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5489, 14 February 1896, Page 1

A TERRIBLE DISASTER.

A STEAMEB CAPSIZED. GBEAT LOSS OF LIFE. fSPECiAii to Press Association.] BEISBANE, Feb. 13. An appalling disaster happened this evening. Owing to a quantity of debris in the river from the flooded districts becoming impacted against the Victoria Bridge, the authorities, recognising that the structure was thus rendered unsafe, stoppedthe traffic, andpeoplewerecompelled to use ferry boats in order to cross the .river. A few minutes after 5 p.m. the steamer Pearl left the Queen's Wharf for the Musgraye "Wharf, South Brisbane; with.' about one hundred passengers. The flood water was running strongly, 'but not auffir ciently to interfere with' the handling of ' the steamer. The vessel had to drop down the stream for a short distance in Order to pass between the steamer Normariby arid the Government steamer Lucinda. While endeavouring to carry out this the Pearl fouled the Normariby and drifted broadside on to an anchor chain overhanging the stern of the Lucinda. The Pearl immediately turned over, and within ten seconds disappeared from view> taking her living freight with her. So sudden was the whole affair that before the crowds of spectators who lined the river banks could realise that a catastrophe had happened, the river was dotted in all directions with men, women and children. Immediately a flotilla of rowing boats put off to the rescue of the unfortunate people. Thoße on board the Lucinda rescued thirty-eight persons, but it is feared that the remainder of those aboard the Pearl have been drowned, though some passibly, have been picked up lower down the river. ■.. A fireman of the steamer, who swam ashore, says that he. heard no screaming nrhen the accident f occurred, and thinks that the vessel must have carried the bulk of the passengers down with her. . Owing to the excitement it is impossible at present to ascertain the names of the ■.victims. .''-. '■■'<. t \_ , ."-,:-•.' ; :