A STEAMER CAPSIZED.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9115, 7 April 1908, Page 5

A STEAMER CAPSIZED.

THE CREW SAVED. Per Press Association. —Copyright Sydney, April 6. The Illawarra Co. ’s steamer Bega capsized during the night off Tathra. It is believed that all landed safely on the coast, but one 'passenger is reported to have died.

The Bega left Tathra at 7 o'clock last night en route to Sydney with a large cargo, including a large number of live stock. Two hours after her departure, when four miles off the land, she began to fill with water, it is believed owing to the cargo shifting. The vessel gradually settled by the head and capiszed. The passengers and the crew, numbering altogether between 70 and 80, succeeded in launching the boats and a raft.

During the excitement a passenger named David Clarke collapsed and expired. Two boats landed during the night at Outtagee, and later on the raft was washed ashore at Wallagoot, after drifting seven hours. All aboard were well. At the time of the disaster the weather was fine, but misty. Rain was falling, and there was a slight wind.

Relief was sent to the shipwrecked people, who saved only the clothes in which they stood. A relief steamer, despatched from Beramgus, picked them up. The Bega was in charge of Gap tain Bishoja, one of the company’s most trusted officers. The steamer was loaded and manned by non-Unioniscs. On receipt of the news the Joint Executive of the Strike Committee passed a resolution of sympathy with the company in their loss. Later. The Bega’s cargo included a number of blood horses and other stud stock for Sydney Show. Two thousand pounds’ worth of bullion was shipped to the bank.

After it was discovered that there was a strong list to starboard the vessel showed distress signals, which were unnoticed. The Bega was insured forjj£sooo. Received April 7, 10.2 a,m. Sydney April 7. Splendid discipline was displayed on the Bega. Owing to the excessive inclination of the deck, the greatest difficulty was experienced in getting the boats launched,, and the passengers transhipped. Passengers state that during the run to Bermagi, a list to port was observed, which shortly after reversed to starboard.

The women and children, who behaved with calmness, were placed in the boats with as many male passengers as they could accommodate, then seven passengers and the bulk of the crew took to the life rafts. The cause of the disaster is unaccountable, as the vessel was surveyed a week ago. Clarke, who died from shock, had been in feeble health.