BURNING OF A PASSENGER SHIP AND LOSS OF 130 SOULS.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 707, 30 July 1870, Page 4

BURNING OF A PASSENGER SHIP AND LOSS OF 130 SOULS.

[S. A. REGISTER.] The destruction of a ship by fire is at all times a most appalling spectacle, but when it is known that a number of fellowcreatures have also perished, it becomes doubly so ; and in one of those terrible dramas the Murray— just arrived in our wateis — played an important part, although she was powerless to rescue many from the devastating element. Captain Begg gives a graphic description of the occurrence, from which it appears that on the night of the 26th May, in lat. 23deg 40min S., long. 37deg. 50min W., one of the hands at the masthead reported a singular illumination astern, and on closer inspection the reflection became more apparent, and after a very short interval it was affirmed to be a ship on fire. In order to clearly- ascertain the truth, the Murray's course was changed, aud all sail made. The distance was then computed at thirty miles, and after sailing for an hour, there was immediately seen to be a vessel on fire, and in the excessive darkness of the night it was indeed a most appalling spectacle, as a nearer approach disclosed the form of a large ship being devoured by the flames, which shot high aloft, lightiug up for -an immense distance the surrounding gloom. At two a.m. the distance was considerably lessened, and the Murray closed with the burning wreck, having previously prepared her boats for lowering, with hands at the davit-falls, and every possible arrangement was made to meet the emergency of the case. Then a bitter cry came from the watery darkness, and the boat was lowered, the maintopsail hove back, and a gallant crew pulled iway into the shade of night towards the sound. There was found a water-logged, boat with four men clinging to her, whilst every wave rolled completely over then. Subsequently, it was known that this boat had been lowered from the burning ship, and a rush of passengers ; consequently she filled, and only four survivors were left to tell their miserable tale. The Murray remained close to the burning spectacle until daylight, when she stood towards the vessel, which was one mass of Same from stem to stern. Her masts were gone, and the deck fore and aft added fuel to the fire, and as the day vfavmed it was seen -with deiight that three vessels had been attracted to the scene, and as the ship drifted down on her, people were seen clinging to a wreck of floating spare which hung to windward. A schooner was near, which sent away a boat to assist, and the Murray's boats were also engaged in the work of rescue. Although a strong breeze was blowing, all but two were taken off. At this juncture the wind and sea increased so as to render it impossible to make further exertions,, and the two unfortunates were in such a position thatthe boats could not get near them, and they seemed quite exhausted and insensible to the efforts being made to. save them. The whole scene. was of a most exciting and lamentable character, as from subsequent inquiries it was found that the ill-fated ship was the Mannin Barabino, an Italian barque, bound from Genoa to the River Plate, with 150 passengers on board -besides the crew. On comparing notes afterwards it was found

that 120 were lost by tire and water. Of course want of an intimate knowledge of their language rendered it difficult to obtain minute details from the survivors, but it was understood that fire from the cook's galley had by some means ignited the deck, and the combustion of the cargo, which was mainly spirits, was a very rapid process. The fore end of the vessel early blew up sending the entire foremast and gefir over to windward, and to this providential circumstance may bo attributed the salvation of the few saved, for the ropes, sails, spars and gear served as a kind of raft on which they were buoyed until assistance arrived. The vessels in attendance were the French barque Adele Louise, from Bordeaux to the River Plate ; the French barque Caldere, from Havre ; and a Dutch schooner, homeward bound. Cap-tain-.Begg sent his boat to the Adele, which was sailing to the destination of the unfortunates, and he offered to tranship those rescued, supposing the master was inclined to take them on. A supply of provisions and clothes followed, and finally a subscription amongst the passengers supplemented the offer, which was satisfactorily arranged, and after a couple of days' detention, the Murray filled away ou her course. When the ships parted company, the ill-fated craft had burned down to the water's edge, the sea making a half breach over some parts of her, and a heavy S.S.E. gale was anticipated, consequently it is reasonable to suppose that had the assistance not arrived when it did, there would have been no survivors from the doomed ship. Amongst the saved were two ladies. To those who were injured the, doctor of the Murray attended, with a view to alleviate their sufferings. The whole affair was of a most harrowing description, but from the inability of the survivors to speak English, the above are the only facts to hand.