Wreck and Loss of Life.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 4232, 25 July 1901, Page 3

Wreck and Loss of Life.

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, This day. The Secretary of the General Post Office has received advice that the ship Merry Bell, 1200 tons, has been wrecked near Oeo, Taranaki. Twelve lives were lost. A Correction. [Per Press Association.] Wellington, This day. The name of the wrecked ship is wired “ Louie Bell.” No such name can be traced and the authorities have wired for further verification. The Lizzie Bell is the correct name. She is an iron barque with two decks, left here for Newcastle in ballast, yesterday morning. She was very light, and had a crew of 18, as follows : —J. Rees, master; W. G. Barrow, chief mate ; Rolley, second; J. Mulligan, cook; W. Simmons, William River, J. Harding, J. Glen, D. Dang, J. Perry, H. Fredrickson, J. Melrood, able seamen ; Charles Chappel, T. Gay, W. Boyce, J. M. Tickell, A. Jones, W. J. Arbuckle, apprentices. The barque is owned by a Liverpool firm, Messrs Tredale, Porter and Co. Messrs Levin and Co., are the agents here.

They do not know of the insurances. After the Lizzie Bell’s manifest was made out another seaman, A. B. J. Partland, joined her. In the list already sent Dang should he Lang, and River Riner Melwood, whose name is on the list was left behind. Bodies Washed Ashore. Information has been received by the Government that twelve bodies have been washed ashore from the Lizzie Bell. Opunakk, This day. The Lizzie Bell was wrecked close to where the schooner Annie Wilson, and the steamers Manaia, and Marama were wrecked. All hands got clear in the ship’s boat. Two fell overboard and were found this morning jammed in the rocks. The boat afterwards capsized, and ten men, who got underneath were drowned. Pihama, This day. The officers and crew of the Lizzie

J Bell oame off in a boat, which capsized and eleven seamen were drowned. The survivors are much exhausted and are suffering from exposure. Those saved are the captain, mate, two seamen and two apprentices. The barque is ashore three miles south east of Oeo Point, a total wreck. Latest. Particulars are hard to glean, but it is gathered the vessel struck about 11 p.m. The orew took to the boats. The larger one capsized more than once. Four dead bodies were found beneath the thwarts. The captain and survivors are so exhausted that they cannot give a coherent account of the wreck. Seven bodies have been washed ashore and five are missing. Search parties are at work. From Captain Good’s place no view of the wreck cau be obtained, but wreckage is strewn along the beach. An inquest will be held at the Oeo Hotel. Last night the weather was fair with a sharp cold breeze blowing and a slight fog. A doctor has been wired for to attend. Captain Rees and the others are fair, considering their terrible experiences.