THE FIFESHIRE WRECK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1039, 5 September 1911, Page 3

THE FIFESHIRE WRECK.

ARRIVAL OF SURVIVORS.

London, Sept. 3

Reuter’s Marseilles correspondent reports that twenty-five survivors from the steamer Fifeshire, which was wrecked near Aden, have arrived on board the steamer Goth.

One of the passengers, in an interview, stated : ■‘At the time of the disaster a heavy sea, gale, and fog prevailed. We were unable to distinguish people on deck. “Suddenly a violent shock was felt, and those below rushed to the deck. We passed the night in a state of agitation, though the ship lay absolutely fast and motionless. “Iu the morning we attempted to get the vessel off, but the hole in her bows developed a serious leak, and all hope of getting the vessel off was abandoned.

“In the evening, as the gale was growing and the ship was gradually filling with water, which now reached the cabins, the captain called us together, and preparations were made to leave the steamer next morning. Provisions for ten days were stored on the four ship's boats, and each of the 108 persons on board the Fifeshire had a place and boat allotted. “We passed the night in dreadful mental agony, and at ten o’clock in the morning, the sea having moderated, we took our seats in the boats and set off in the direction of Aden.

“In the evening a strong southerly wind was blowing, and we lost sight of the other boats. Through the fog we caught sight ot the dark mass of a liner going southward. We fired signals of distress, but apparently they were not heard.

“We passed the night in extreme misery, being drenched to the skin by the seas, and shivering with the cold air. “Towards two o’clock in the morning we were filled with hope ou hearing the sound of the siren of the steamer Adour, whose lookout heard our frenzied shouts. After immense difficulty the twenty-seven in our boat were got on board. “Another boat was found with twenty-four aboard. It had been picked up five hours previously, “The search was continued by the steamer, and the Gutenfelds altered her course and assisted in the quest.’’

The survivors aboard the Goth appeared to have suffered greatly from cold and exposure.

Five of the Fifeshire’s crew have arrived at Plymouth. They state that after the vessel struck there was no panic. The women and children behaved splendidly.

Hordes of Somalis were seen on the shore at daylight brandishing swords and spears. Gestulatiug significantly, they drew their hands and weapons across their throats. Some swam out to the wreck, but were kept from boarding the steamer by being threatened with rifles.