MARCH OF DEATH ON A FROZEN SEA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 179, 2 June 1916, Page 2 (Supplement)

MARCH OF DEATH ON A FROZEN SEA.

COMRADES LEFT BEHIND ONE BY OXE. The survivors of the Wilson liner Sappho, which was caught in the ice in the White Sea, reached Hull recently, and told a terrible story of a march across the frozen sea, with men dropping behind one by one to die of cold and hunger. The survivors are two seamen, Jack Stokes and Martin Hauna. A third. Second Officer Ashford, had been landed at Newport, Mon. The rest of the crew, 19 in number, arc believed to have perished. "The ice round the ship was nine feet thick," said Stokes In an inteiview. "On the afternoon of Christmas Day some of the party lay down on the ice and snow, while the rest walked about. At 0 p.m. we started to walk again, and kept on all night, as there was some moonlight and tne stars were out.

"At ten o'clock next morning Captain Martin said, "I cannot go an> further,' and gave the ship's papers and other documents to the steward, but the steward would not leave him, saying, 'I can't leave you.' Niueteen of us were, therefore, forced to leave the captain, the steward, and one of the A.B.'s who absolutely refusec" to go further. MEN WHO DROPPED BEHIND.

"A party of the younger men Gorged ahead, and of those lelt, a iireman. the cook, the first mate, and the chief engineer dropped behind one by one.

"There were only four of us now. and third engineer Jlartiett kept calling for water. His mind began to wander, and he thought he was still on board the Sappho. We left him behind.

"We struggled on. and evenf'ually came on an abandoned steamer —the Mascara, of Glasgow, with paraffin on board. We melted some snow for water, made some tea, and ate some biscuits we had with us. ATter remaining in the ship for twenty-two hours, we set off again, and reached land. "We travelled over snow three to nine feet deep, slid down hills, and waded through water for fifteen hours. At length a Laplander, with his sledge, and a reindeer team dls oj.'cred us about ten miles from Sos n;/ctz. Wo were taken to a village, where a man, a doctor, I suppose, cut away the blackened portions of our frozen feet."