THE GOTHENBURG WRECK.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 3, 21 April 1875, Page 3

THE GOTHENBURG WRECK.

THE DIVER’S NARRATIVE. The following is the report of Mr James Putwain, the diver : “The wreck was found lying with head ISLE, and S.W., with a strong list to , port, the stern in about ten fathoms of water ; and the bows in about five fathoms of water, witli her foremast and yards lying awash. “ I found much difficulty in getting down in consequence of the strong current and heavy wash on the reef, and finding it was impracticable to go down from the boat, I rigged a temporary stage from the maintop, • which was a few feet out of the water. Here I fitted up my diving apparatus, and then made my descent from the rigging to the captain’s but my air tube becoming entangled with the ship’s funnel, I had a difficulty in clearing it, and at one time thought the consequences would have been serious, owing to the attendant being unused to handling the apparatus.

After some delay I succeeded in clearing the tube, and was compelled to come to the surface to give fresh instructions, I then descended the second time, and took a short survey of the ship, 1 found her broken abaft the fore-cabins, and the funnel partially down, but the deck was not started abaft of where she was broken. The captain’s cabin was broken away, except the roof and combings. After a diligent search I got to the box supposed to contain the gold, on the leeside of the combings of the captain’s cabin, and at once slung it, and placed it in a convenient place for hoisting to the surface. I then endeavoured to descend the cabin stairs, but only could get down a few steps in consequence of not having a sufficient length of tube ; but here a melancholy sight presented itself, for at the port side of the vessel and at the foot of the saloon stairs, I saw two females, one apparently having her arm round the other. I was anxious to get there to obtain, if possible, a portion of their hail 1 , which was flowing loosely around them, or some other relic that might be identified by their friends, and serve them as a memento of their fearful and sudden loss, put unfortunately I was unsuccessful for reasons previously mentioned. Finding that at this time I could do no further good at the wreck, and after making the gold secure in the boat, I proceeded to Bo won and reported all the circumstances to the proper authorities, and deposited the gold the in the Joint Stock Bank, I left Bowen next morning for the wreck, but found 1 could do nothing, the weather being too boisterous ; but while waiting alongside, we caught two sharks 12 feet long.”