THE CYCLONE IN THE GULF OF ADEN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1224, 14 August 1885, Page 3

THE CYCLONE IN THE GULF OF ADEN.

Numerous disasters resulting from the severe cyclone which occurred in the Gulf of Aden in the first week of June are recorded in the Indian papers, in addition to those of which particulars have already been given. Amongst the complete wreeks were those of a French man of war, the Renard, which was lost with all hands, and the British s.a. Seraglio' The latter experienced the full force of the cyclone, and quickly foundered. The crew then undertook a voyage of extreme peril. By observation of the sun, Bombay was found to be the nearest haven which they might hope to reach, but even this was 330 miles distant. All had the greatest hardship during the cyclonic disturbances, having worked incessantly night and day with scarcely an opportunity to snatch a mouthful of food or drink, for to add to the gravity of the situation the fresh-water tank on board had been under salt water. Packed together like sardines in a tin, their safety depended on their implicit obedience to the directions of their commander. The voyagers had by day to bear the heat of a broiling sun or to be drenched by heavy showers of vain which scarcely allowed them to see a foot before them, and to pass the long nights so cramped for want of room that they could not stretch their limbs in rest. To add to this, they were fed on short allowances, lest by any untoward circumstance their scanty provisions reached an end before they were in safety. For four days and three nights the crowded boat pursued its louely track, their hopes never excited by the sight of sail till within 30 miles from B mbay, when a vessel was sighted at some little distance. Every means were taken to attract her notice, but without effect, as the ship, which was oat ward bound, continued ouffier course. Fortunately the morning breezes aided the seamen, who reached Bombay sately, but suffering greatly from exposure and the scarcity of food. When they arrived the whole party were prostrated from exhaustion. At Aden the 3rd of June was a day of disasters. The wind was terrific, and the sea tremendous, even in the shallowest part of the harbour. Tne large ships came oft very well on the whole, but the native craft was not so lucky, iho havoc was dreadful, three out of every four having been blown ashore and more or less knocked to pieces. H.M.S. Bacchante, the flagship of the new admiral, had an exceedingly rough time of it. She was ac anchor at tne month of the harbour, her draught not allowing her to come inside, consequently she had the worst of it all. The sea washed over her continuously, and five of her boats were knocked to pieces. The [cable —in fact both cables- between Aden and Bombay got out of order a sho;t time before the cyclone broke over. The Peshawar, the P. and U. Calcutta boat, encountered the cyclone and lost three boats, besides being otherwise slightly damaged. The destruction on shore was very great, and those in authority estimated it au L3!),000.