WRECK ON TASMANIAN COAST.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2215, 19 October 1907, Page 4

WRECK ON TASMANIAN COAST.

FIVE MEN DROWNED

United Press Association—Copyright

HOBART, October IS. The Swedish ship Alfihekl, from Rio to Hobart, in ballast, was wrecked on the West Coast on Tlnirsdiy morning of last week. The first news was brought last U'igiht by tho steamer Koonookarra, which brought six of tho Alfhcld’s crew.

The ship struck near Green Island during a heavy storm, ISO feetfrom the mainland cliffs, and drifted further inshore. Within half an hour she broke up. Tremendous seas woro running at the time. Some of the crew, which numbered seventeen, managed to lower two boats. Eight got into one, and three into t-lie other. As the boats reached the beach .they were smashed to pieces. One mail was drowned and ten men got ashore. These were joined by three of those who -had been left on the ship, the three men swimming ashore.

The remaining three men on the ship lost their lives. -One of them was on a portion of the wreck for four days before dropping into tho sea.

The thirteen men on shore wandered in search of food, hut found only a few shellfish. They discovered a boat. -Six of them embarked, and on Monday reached Mootonyker, but only in time as the boat swamped as they landed. They were received and hospitably treated at the lighthouse. Those rescued entertain grave left near tho wreck, and who had left near t.h ©wreck, and who had been without food for eight days. When the boat left they were in. a bad condition, especially the captain. The Koonookarra left last- night to search for tho castaways. -Another account states that two seamen, the carpenter and steward (Olsen), and cook (Jacobsen) were drowned.