BURNING OF THE SPHINXLOSS OF 500 LIVES.

Kumara Times, Issue 537, 17 June 1878, Page 4

BURNING OF THE SPHINXLOSS OF 500 LIVES.

[From the Daily News.] Lloyd's agent at Larnaca (Cyprus), in a letter dated March 19, furnishes full particulars of the burning of the Austrian Lloyd's steamer Sphinx, near Cape Elia, in the early part of last month, by which 500 Circassian refugees lost their lives. It appears that the Sphinx was on her way to Latakia from Cavalla, with about 3000 Circassians on board. On March 5, at 10 minutes past 7 a.m., she was doubling the Kilto Rock, off Cape St. Andrea, with a strong wind from the southeast, with the intention of going to Famagusta, to wait for better weather, and take in provisions for the emigrants. At 3 p.m. there was a strong gale from the south-east,"which shifted to the west, then to the north, returning at last to the south-east. At that time the ship would no longer obey the rudder, and a heavy sea striking the vessel washed 40 refugees from the forecastle. Could not put back to Alexandretta, as the hatches were open, and being afraid that the sea would till the hold, coupled with the fact that the Circassians would not allow them to be closed for fear of being suffocated. Towards sunset made out Cape Greggs, and was about six miles from the south of Famagusta, At a quarter to 7 smoke was seen coming out of the forehatch, and the vessel shipping heavy seas. A little later she grounded on a. sandbank, one heavy sea di*ove her on the coast, and she sprang a leak. There -was no wurkinn the engines. Meanwhile the fire increased, and the confusion and cries of the Circassians are said to have been terrible, seeing that the fire could not he put down. The hatches were closed with the consent •of the Circassian-, and so upwards of uOO lives were Micririced to save the rest. During the night attempts were made to extinguish the fire, but without success. On March 6th the surviving emigrants were landed. The captain and crew fled from the wreck, as the 'Circassians threatened to murder them. Two days afterwards the French gunboat Lavis received on board the captain and crew, who had taken refuge at Tri■como, and the following day H.M.S. Coquette received on board the first lieutenant of the Sphinx, who was also hiding at Tricomo. The Circassians robbed the ship before leaving her of everything that was portable—plate, linen, furniture, and all the clothing of the officers. The Circassians had fires, in the held to keep themselves warm and to cook with;- and it is not surprising that the fire originated from the accidental upsetting of one of their stoves.