MOSSAMEDES' WRECK.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15225, 30 April 1923, Page 5

MOSSAMEDES' WRECK.

LATEST NEWS

SEVEN PERSONS DROWNED.

227 SURVIVORS REACH PORT-

STORY OF THE DISASTER.^

Australian and N.Z. Cabie Assn. (Received April 30, 9.35 a.m.) CAPETOWN, April 29.

The mystery surrounding the loss of the Mossamedes has been dispelled by the arrival of a Portuguese gunboat at Port Mossamedes, with 110 survivors. Eighty-four others were landed at Port Alexandra, and the Pencil gunboat Cassiopcc also picked up 33.

The chief officer states that the vessel struck the rocks in a dense fog, 300 yards from shore, on the morning of April 24. It was pitch dark, with a rough sea. The passengers were all asleep. A panic ensued, but by the efforts of the captain and officers the confusion soon subsided. When dawn broke the pasengera were huddled on deck, but notwithstanding wireless calls there was no sign of help. The boats, therefore, were quickly provisioned and lowered, the women and children being embarked first. When the fourth boat was being launched the tackle save way, and all the occupants were flung into the sea, seven being drowned. The chief officer, Mr Pauling, plunged into the sea and rescued 13. The captain remained with the ship till 2 o'clock in the afternoon, when he decided to abandon it. As there was no chance of the boats landing owing to the heavy surf, they proceeded in a northerly direction. They suffered much before they were rescued, from intense heat in the daytime and bitter cold at night. The Government authorities and residents of Mossamedes are doing their utmost for their comfort. The Government buildings have been placed at their disposal.