SUPPOSED WRECK.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 71, 27 March 1901, Page 2

SUPPOSED WRECK.

FEAR THAT THE FEDERAL HAS GONE DOWN. BODY WASHED ASHORE. TERRIFIC CYCLONE.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrighl Sydney, March 20.

A quantity of wreckage, including a piece of wood with “ S.S. Federal, of Melbourne,” written in pencil on it, and the body of a man, have been washed up off Gabo Island. The Federal is one of Mcllwraith and Eacliern’s fleet. It left the port of Kcinbla on the 20th inst., with a cargo of coal for Albany direct. She passed Gabo on the following afternoon.

The owners of tho Federal have no information in regard to the vessel. The manager says that viewing all tho circumstances, he is almost driven to expect the worst. Had the man been washed overboard only, in view of the gale raging, he thinks the captain would have signalled the safety of the vessel on the first opportunity. The steamer Surrey which signalled tho Gabo a few hours ahead of the Federal, had struck the beginning of what was described as a terrific cyclone, whon ninety miles beyond tho Gabo. Therefore, the Federal might have got the full force of the hurricane. She is due at Albany on Friday or Saturday.

STILL HOPE FOR THE FEDERAL. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, March 26. The steamer Peregrine has arrived, and reports having passed the Federal, a few miles north of the Gabo. A heavy gale was blowing at the time. There is a possibility that the man found was washed overboard, and tlie articles supposed to be wreckage were thrown to him.

GENEBAL OPINION THAT THE FEDEBAL HAS FOUNDERED. THE OWNEBS THINK SO. Per Press Association —Copyright. Melbourne, March 26. A message from the Gabo to-night states a life-buoy marked “ Federal,” and a quantity of wreckage have been washed ashoro. The body recovered is that of a middleaged seaman. There is still a possibility that the steamer was swept by the gale, and that the man and wreokago were washed overboard, but the almost general opinion in shipping circles, including the owners, is that the Federal has foundered. The Federal was under the command of Captain Coull, and carried a crew of twenty-nine all told.