THE WRECK OF THE AQTEA.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 11921, 18 July 1906, Page 7

THE WRECK OF THE AQTEA.

Body of the Oaptaln'e Wife

FQund.

Another Lady Believed to Have

Been Aboard.

(Per United Preaa Association).

GISBORNE, July 17. The Aotea was found this morning bottom upwards in the Waikawa Creek, Waipiro Bay, and there is no donbt that all on board (supposed to be eleven) have perished. It was a very wild and dork night, and there were no witnesses of the catastrophe. The schooner bad been sheltering under Tawhiti Hill, at the southern end of Waipiro Bay, all day on Sunday and yesterday, whilst a wild southerly gale was blowing. The wind changed yesterday, and came in with equal force from the eastward. When last seen, towards nightfall, the schooner was still in the same position as She had been for the past 48 hours, and near by, it is stated was a small steamer with a yellow funnel. The change of wind during the night would spoil the shelter,, and in the morning there was an anxious look out for the schooner, both boats having disappeared. The steamer L? Bupposed to have gone off for shelter elsewhere. On a search being made the schooner was found as stated, the beach being strewn with wreckage from her. For some hours no bodies could be found and then that of Captain J. Nicholas was discovered, and about three hours later the body of his wife was found almost in the same spot. It is believed Mrs Nicholas had a couple of her children with her. Some children's clothing has been washed ashore. It is believed that a lady whose husband is returning from England, joined the vessel at Tuparoa. to proceed to Gisborne, but there is no certainty yet. Captain Nicholas was one of the best known traders on the coast, and was part owner of the Aotea, the command of which he took over about a fortnight ago.