(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 534, 24 July 1869, Page 2

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)

ARRIVALS. WkeUNQTON.—JuIy 21 —Wellington, from Lyttelton ; Rangatira, from Napier. Poet Chaliieiis. —July 23—Phoebe, from Bhijf. Bluff.—July 22.—Rangitoto, from Dunedin. Nelson.—July 23—Lyttelton, from Westport. Lyttelton.—July 22 —Onieo, from Dunedin. G he vjiouth. July 23 Murray, from West port. DEPARTURES. BLr/FF.— July 22—Rungitoto, for Melbourne. Nelson.—Tuly 21—Storm Bird, for Wangunui. Ltttelton. —July 22—Omeo, for Wellington. Tort Chalmers. —July 22—Beautiful Star, for Lyttelton. BURNING- OF THE OMAR PASHA. The following is the account of the loss of this vessel, furnished by her commander, Lieutenant Charles Grey, R.N.R.: —■ The ship sailed from Moreton Bay on Feb. 13, and on April 21 was in lat. 21 ° N., long. 42 ° W., seventy-nine days out, and there ■was every prospect of accomplishing the remainder of the voyage in about ten days. A terrible fate, however, awaited the noble ship. The alarm was given by the first officer that, the ship was on fire about the main hatch and chain locker. All hands and passengers were immediately called; sails were reduced to close-reefed topsails, all pumps set to work, and immense quantities of water poured down the lower hold and the chain locker, through which the flames, smoke, and steam were coming in large volumes already. Officers, men,and passengers, divided in proper gangs, worked bravely, and for some time hopes were entertained to get the flames ex. tinguished. At 6 a.m. a vessel was seen to the westward, and the ship was steered at once for her, firing minute auns of distress, and making signal for assistance. In about an hour she was alongside the Italian barque Anita Tagliavi, whoso commander promised assistance and sent his own beats. Another vessel, which proved to be the Spanish b<*ig Maria Rosa, was also bearing down under all canvas, and sent, a boat, to help as much as possible. In the meantime the crew and passengers exerted themselves to do their utmost at pumps and fire buckets, or to carrv out promptly whatever orders were given. " The greatest discipline was maintained on board throughout. Large wet sails and tarpaulins were spread over the hatches and decks ; Vut, however, all labor proved in vain. From eight till about nine the flames spread more and more in the lower hold, and the great, heat set the wool in the between decks on fire ; the steam, probably raised by the burning tallow, became so alarming that the after and main hatches -were opened to prevent an explosion. After much trouble and considerable danger the wool on fire in the main and after hatch.es was got, out and thrown overboard, and had the fire been only confined to the between decks the ship would have been saved. About, ten it became evident that, no human power could save the unfortunate ship ; the flames were already breaking through several parts of the main deck, the smoke and steam became worse and worse every minute. Tito passengers were ordered to get themselves ready to leave the ship—the boats were got ready also, each in charge of otic officer. In the meantime the purser, steward, and four men were employed in getting provisions out of fhe store-room aft ; as the barque had only a very limited supply of stores, it was most important to provide food for so many people. At about 11 a.m. the transhipment of passengers to the Italian barque commenced, not without danger or difficulty, as the breeze had freshened considerably. The sea was running high at, the time ; however, owing to the greatest order and strict discipline, all the women and children were safely transferred to the barque ; then followed ail male passengers, with as much of their lugr-age as could be saved in so short a time. After having them all in safety, the boats continued carrying povisions. About 1.30 p.m. the main derk, from the poop to the foremost, the front of poop and part of the saloon, were one mass of flames, the mainmast was burning as far as the top, and began to sway to and fro with every roll, nnd it became dangerous for those still working on board (the captain, Mr Beattie, third officer, Mr Stephenson, sailmaker, and Cornie, quartermaster'', to stay any longer. The helm was put, hard down, and lashed to keep the burning ship hove to. The three men were -lowered into the cutter waiting astern, and the captain followed them shortly afterwards. At 5.30 p.m. the Omar Pasha had burnt to the water's edge. All masts had fallen over the port side, and about 7.30 p.m. she went down siern foremost. The passengers were subsequently transferred to different vessels, and were landed at British or foreign ports.