THE FATAL COLLISION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1429, 11 December 1886, Page 2

THE FATAL COLLISION.

[uKUXKB’S TI'I KORAMS -COPYKIGUT ] Sydney, December 10. The steamer Helen Nicoll arrived from Trial Bay this morning with the passengers saved. A great crowd met her at the wharf, and great excitement prevailed. The Keilawarra struck amidships, close to the engines. Retreat from the saloon was thus cut off. It now appears that the passenger Mrs Wilson drowned is not the daughter of Madame Carandini, as at first stated. Captain Calder referred to in the last telegram is captain of the steamship Victoria, not of the Keilawarra,

The greater number of the Keilawarra passengersjwere brought to Sydney this morning by the Helen Nicoll, and were in a most exhausted condition. Heartrending scenes took place on the wharf on the arrival of the vessel. From the statements of survivors, it appears that at the time the collision took place the weather was rather hazy, though up to that time the weather had been clear. The collision is described as something terrible, the wildest confusion prevailing on both vessels, ladies on board the Keilawarra running about In a state of perfect bewilderment. A boat was lowered from the Keilawarra, but was instantly rush°d, and went down with twenty people in it, several of whom failed to regain the ship. When the vessel sank most heart-rendingen'es were raised. As the Keilawarra was thought to be the safer vessel, when she parted many of those aboard the Helen Nicoll attempted to jump aboard the Keilawarra, but failed to reach her. Those who lost their lives on board the Helen Nicoll were crushed to death while asleep in their bunks.

Later, No one on board either vessel ap pears to have seen the anproaching lignts, but when the situation was grasped the passengers aboard the Keilawarra behaved in a most frantic manner. A distressing secene took place, women and children shrieking with fear. A number of men rushed the boats, heedless of the captain, who cried shame on their cowardice. The total loss of life amounts to fortyone. It now appears that Mr not Mrs Wilson has been drowned.