THE WRECKED FRANCE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18532, 14 July 1922, Page 5

THE WRECKED FRANCE.

CREW BELIEVED TO BE SAVED. SHIP PROBABLY A TOTAL WRECK. Received July 13, 11.5 p.m. SYDNEY, July 13. Further wireless messages were received by Sydney and Brisbane stations from the stranded ship France, stating tha; the crew were praying for daylight. Big seas were breaking on the reef, damaging the ship. Two masts had carried away, and the lives of the crew working on the deck were endangered. The message concluded; “All aboard spent a night of hell.” Another message slated that if the occasion arose an attempt would be made to land the crew at daybreak. A later message received at Brisbane stated that the crew had taken to the boats owing to the danger from falling masts and rigging, and that the France would probably be a total wreck.

The station at Noumea later unsuccessfully tried to get into communication with the France. It, is believed the crew reached shore safely.

(Per Press Association) ■ , WELLINGTON, July 13.’ The secretary of the Post and Telegraph Office reports:—Noumea radio advised ar. 9.36 p.m.—“All the staff and sailors of the France have been saved.” Two earlier messages were received. One at 8.13 a.m. states: “Further from S.O.S. sailing ship France at 4.4 a.m. The France has reported that the weather is clear and the wind is from the south, light. The sea is rough. On a reef. Will save the crew at daylight to avoid the men being wounded by the falling of masts or yards.” At 4.4 9 a.m. the France informed the Canadian Transporter that she did not consider assistance necessary, and the latter has now resumed her voyage. The second message received at 8.22 says: “Further re the France, intercepted at 1.18 a.m.. repeated i calls of S.O.S. At 1.25 a.m. the [France advised the Canadian Transporter that the vessel be considered lost. The crew is to be sav- ’ ed.” 1 At 4.57 the France advised the . Canadian Transporter that it was considered that assistance was unnecessary. The crew will endeavour [io land at daylight. The France, which is owned in France, sailed from London on February sth for Now Caledonia. She is the largest sailing vessel afloat, being a five-masted barque of 5010 tons gross. The vessel completed loading at Wellington, and sailed on last September sth for London. While at Wellington, the master Captain Lepor t. made many friends, and a few weeks ago sent a wireless message, while south of Australia, to the Wellington agents, Wright, Stephenson and Co., asking to be remembered kindly to all friends in Wellington.