WRECK AT THE ISLANDS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 298, 12 September 1888, Page 4

WRECK AT THE ISLANDS.

Tiik barque Martaban, of Glasgow, 737 tons register, Captain Hodge, from Bakei's and Howland islands, ariived at Suva, Fiji, on 26th August, in order to land the shipwrecked crew of the Fiench barque Cecile, which went ashore at the last mentioned place on •July 14th last. She was struck by a -squall from the S. \Y., parted the muoi.iigs — \vnieh consisted of a new one - and- a - half inch chain — with the result that, being 1 driven ashore at about midnight, she went down at dawn ol the next day, in about 3,000 fathoms, ot water. Her crew consisted of the Captain, M. La Coste. mate, and 13 seamen. Nothing 1 was saved with the exception of the chronometer, a few stores and the personal eflects. At the date of this unfortunate occurrence, Captain Hodge was loading guano at Baker's Island, whore the weather being of a similar character as that encountered by the Cecile, his risk was also gieat. Fortunately the moorings of the Marts ban proved equal to the strain, and no damage occurred. On August Bth, Captain Hodgeproceeded to Howlandlsland for the purpose of landing the manager and labourers who were working at the place and then for the first time became aware of the fate which had overtaken the Cecile. Captain La Coste at once enlisted the sympathies and assistance of Captain Hodge, who, knowing that it was impossible for the wrecked men to obtain sustenance on the place where they had been cast away, resolved to break his voyage. In place of proceeding to Plymouth, whither he was bound for orders, he consented to carry the distressed mariners to Samoa or &uch other port as he iound easiest ; the weather being po extremely bad as to render this precaution advisable. This was amply proved by the fact that it was not found possible to make Samoa except at a loss of time which was not deemed justifiable, and Suva was therefore selected as the port most available. The shipwrecked men will proceed to Sydney by next opportunity. Mr Arundel, the owner of both Baker and Howland Islands, amongst others, came down as a passenger in the Martaban and will go on to Auckland in due couise. The Martaban has proceeded on her voyage. The conduct of Captain La Coste and hisicrew is spoken of most highly by Captain Hodge.