WRECK OF MOSSAMEDES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17028, 30 April 1923, Page 6

WRECK OF MOSSAMEDES.

STRIKES AT NIGHT IN ROUGH SEA. PANIC OF PASSENGERS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.-—Copyright.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. (Received April 30, 9.30 a.m.) CAPE TOWN, April 29. The mystery surrounding the Mossamedas has been dispelled by the arrival of a Portuguese gun-boat at Port Mossamedes, with Ito survivors. Eighty-four others were landed at Port Alexandre. The French gun-boat Cassiopee also picked up thirty-three. The chief officer states that the vessel struck the rooks in a dense fog, 300 yards from the shore on the morning of April 24. It was pitch dark and the sea was rough. The passengers were all asleep and a panic ensued. Thanks to the efforts of the captain and the officers, the confusion soon subsided. When dawn broke, the passengers were huddled on the deck, but notwithstanding the wireless calls, there was no sign of help. Boats were quickly provisioned and lowered, with the women ancl children first. When the fourth boat was being launched, the tackle gave way and all its occupants were flung into the sea. Seven were drowned. Chief Officer Paulino plunged into the sea and rescued thirteen. The captain remained with the ship till two in the afternoon, when he decided to abandon it. As there was no chance of the boats landing, owing to the heavy surf, they proceeded in a northerly direction. The occupants suffered much before they were rescued from the intense heat in the daytime and the bitter cold at night. The Government authorities and residents ©f fv?ossamedes are doing their utmost for the survivors’ comfort. A Government building has been placed at their disposal.

An earlier cable stated: In response to an S.O.S. call from the Portuguese liner Mossamedes, 4615 tons, homeward bound, which was reported to be ashore at Cape Frio, the steamer Port Victor proceeded to the scene. She found the Mossamedes deserted and the boats gone. The passengers and crew numbered 237.