LAST VOYAGE OF THE NIMROD

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 177, 22 April 1919, Page 8

LAST VOYAGE OF THE NIMROD

ANTARCTIC SHIP. LOST OFF YARMOUTH.. . The steamer Nimrod. formerly of the Shackloton Antarctic Expedition, foundered' near Yarmouth at midnight on December 29, and the only survivors of her c.w of 12 are James Truclson (mate) and Jfusscll Gregory (boatswain), who, after clinging to the keel of a capsized lifeboat, were washed up between Caister and Yarmouth. The Nimrod was 6n a voyage from Blytli to Calais with a cargo of coal when she struck on ilie Barber Shoals. Water soon filled her engine-room, and tho vessel began to break up. Eleven men, who could only find shelter under tho broken bridge, were continually in danger of being killed by wreckage which was washed about by the seas. The Nimrod took a heavy list, her starboard lifeboat was swept away, and tile men got into the port lifeboat on the bridge deck, but a big wave struck the boat, which turned over, all the men being thrown beneath. Three struggled clear of wreckage, and clung to tho upturned keel of the lifeboat, but ono of them SOOll let go, and sank. .Truclson and Gregory hung on, and half an hour later this lifeboat was got clear. , It was bitterly cold, and the seas, constantly swept'over the two men, but by getting their feet into lifelines,'they were able to Ji«ang on. I'hoy tho Cocklu LiL'hlship, they shouted for help, but the noise .of the wind and the sea drowned their cries. They saw luv searching but could not mako themselves heard When they had almost given up hope, the tide turned, and alter live hours their boat was (thrown broadside on to the beach. They soon received help, and were taken to Sailors' Ilomo. The next day five bodies ot seamen were washed up between Uorleston and llopton, south of Yarmouth, and another was seen in (he sea. All were wearing lifebelts. One more budy came ashore north of Caister and another at California, a neighbouring village. lliey are all believed to bo the bodies of men of the Nimrod.