NOT A SOUL ON BOARD.

Waikato Independent, Volume III, Issue 214, 10 April 1906, Page 5

NOT A SOUL ON BOARD.

MYSTERY OP TWO STEAMERS

FOUND AT SEA.

The liner Sicilia, on arrival at Genoa, from New York (said a recent Loudon paper) reported having passed in midAtlantic on January 30 th, a large steamer, which was apparently abandoned. The steamer had no lights showing, and no sign of life could be observed on deck, although the Sicilia repeatedly whistled to tittract attention.

The steamer was about 4000 tons register, and had two masts, with a white and black painted funnel. She lay right in the track of vessels, and was dangerous to navigation. Much speculation was caused when the news of this derelict steamer reached Lloyd’s. So far as is known, no steamer answering the description of the vessel seen by the Sicilia has been reported missing, and it is therefore conjectured that the steamer must have been abandoned quite recently.

A similar incident was reported froth Ostend, where a launch brought in a small derelict steamer, which had been found off the coast. The vessel, which bore the name L. J. Herra, was found to be fitted with new engines, while all her other gear was in excellent condition. Papers found on board showed that she was from Emden, and a reply to a telegram sent there stated that she had left the port for Buenos Ayres, on the Ist of last month, in tow of the steamer Sajonia 11. It is therefore feared that the latter has been lost with all hands.

The L. J. Hcrra is intended to carry coal on the great rivers of South America.