AS SEEN FROM THE TOFUA.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 560, 15 July 1909, Page 5

AS SEEN FROM THE TOFUA.

TWO ROUGH PADDLES, TARPAULIN FOR SAIL. (Rcc. July 14, 10.45 p.m.) Sydney, July 14. Captain Halford, of the steamer Tofua, whicli arrived with tho castaways to-day, states that when ho sighted the wreck of tho Errol at Middlcton Reef, it was beautifully calm. He was surprised to observe that \\ hat he look to ho tho Annasoiia wreck had shifted her position, and ho thought a great g.'ile must have swept tbo reef. As he got iicar he saw tho Annasona in tbo old place. Ho then steamed closo up to tho Errol, and saw a signal consisting of a pair of underpants and a piece of red flannel flying. Ho lowered a boat and picked up tho five starving men. In further describing the rescue, Captain Halford states that when tho members of tho boat's crew from the Tofua entered tho lagoon at Middlcton Roof, a strange sight mot thoir eyes, hi a roughly-made punt wcro tho five survivors, all showing signs of thoir terrible ordeal. Tho punt was propelled by means of an old tarpaulin, hoisted as a sail, and two largo roughly fashioned paddles. Tho survivors eagerly swallowed boef tea, brandy, and water taken from the Tofua's boat, into which they wcro carefully lifted. As they ranged alongside tho steamer the passengers greeted tho castaways- with ringing cheers. So exhausted were they that three of thorn had to bo carried up tho gangway. Tho passengers and crow of the Tofua raised £105 for tho, survivors. Tho survivors on arrival at Sydney were immediately conveyed to tho Scandinavian They were in a shockingly emaciated condition. Captain Halford did all thai could bo donO for them on board tho Tofua in their weak state.