SEA MYSTERY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8349, 8 February 1913, Page 5

SEA MYSTERY

ABANDONED BARQUE FOUND UNDAMAGED IN MIDATLANTIC. NOT A SINGLE SOUL ABOARD. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright NEW YORK, February 6. Captain Olaridge, of tho steamer Roumanian, reports the loss of tho Norwegian schooner Remittent. He found the, barque with all sails set and undamaged in mid-Atlantic. There was no trace of a single soul on board, although evidently the vessel had only been vacated a few hours when found. .... Captain Claridgo took the .Remittent in tow, but lost her during a terrific gale. It is not known if she foundered. Captain Claridge’s story was disbelieved at first, but afterwards he substantiated it. _ ... Tho case recalls that of ihe Mane Celeste. The Remittent is a steel three-masted echoonor, 390 tons, built in I°9<. -Luo steamer Roumanian. 4906 tons, is owned by ihe Petroleum Steam Ship Company. Xho Maxi© Celeste, a line clipper-built ship, was spoken in mid-Atlantic on Hecomuer 4th, 1875, by the captain of the Highlander, and reported all well- -*-* l6 two vessels saluted and parted. Two days after she was again hailed by a different craft, but this time there was no response whatever. As she appeared to bo all spick and span, with sails set and everything in order, the captain ot the hailing vessel was, net unnaturally* considerahy puzzled. Altering his course, ho ran nls ship clos© under tho lee of tho Marie Celeste, and sent a boarding party to investigate. Tho result was astonishing as it was inexplicable. Not a soul was found, either above or between dacks; yet tho vessel was perfectly seaworthy, the cargo was well stowed and in good condition, and even the brass, work appeared to have been just recently polished. Moreover, in tho saloon was a cold luncheon set ready for the passengers, and the steward's pantry showed that preparations for an evening meal were well advanced. Evidently, too, the derelict had not encountered heavy weather, for a phial of medicine stood upright on tho taole of the captain's cabin. Tho personal effects of officers*, crew and passengers were undisturbed, and the investigators noted that not a single boat was missing. Moro than 30 years havo elapsed since then, but of the on© hundred odd persons that were indubitably on board the Marie Celeste on December 4th. 1875. and who were as certainly not •on her on the 6th, no trace has ever been found.