SHIPPING DISASTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 3 April 1907, Page 3

SHIPPING DISASTERS.

RIVER STEAMERS COLLIDE. Ua "''* L TEN LIVES LOST. Launceston, April 2. Last night the steamer Toga collided with the steam launch Alice on la River Tamar. Mtagre details indicate that out oi" sixteen aboard the Alice only six w:e saved, the victims being .1. Maciionilo. his wife, and two boys, .Mrs. F. MeDor aid, Miss Macdonald, -Mrs. Campbcl. Miss Pilgri. and J. Pre»mall.

\ DETAILS OF THE DISASTEIL LAUNCH CUT RHUIT IX TWO. VICTIMS DKUWXED IX THE CAISIN. Received 2nd, 1«.4(> |>.m. Launceston, April 2. The steam launch Alice was returning from Supper River, where the parly of sixteen who were aboard liad been pienicking. The Alice was in charge of J. T. McDonald, a partner in the engineering firm of Salisbury and Company, and part owner of the launch. The river steamer Togo had run an excursion from I-auneeston to (leorgetown regatta during the day, and was returning to take up her usual running. At nine o'clock, when the steamer was nearing Fresh Water Point, the night being fine, bright and moonlight, the lights of the approaching launch were seen.

Those aboard the Togo state that tinAlice attempted to cross the bows of the steamer. The latter blew her syren. and the order was given to reverse the engines, but it was too late, the Alice being struck amidships. The impact occurred with such terrible suddenness that scarcely a cry was heard. The launch was cut down below the yater, and sank almost immediately. The Togo's boats were quickly manned and lifebuoys were thrown to those who were straggling in the water, six being rescued. Only those who were in the forepart of the Alice were saved.

The majority of the victims were in the cabin at the time of the disaster. One of the survivors states that Mr. McDonald was steering the Alice, which was on the starboard side of the Togo. Evidently McDonald did not see her coming until she was very close to the Alice, when Gilbert McDonald went lip to his father, and said, "Don't you Bee the Togo?" The course of the Alice was altered to avoid the Togo. The latter, however, had a good speed on, and the Alice did not get clear in time. The Togo struck with great force, cutting the launch right through. Six bodies were recovered from the cabin to-day.

EXCURSION STEAMER ASHORE. 500 PASSENGERS RESCUED. Received 2nd, 9.21 p.m. The steamer Albion, from Newport to Bristol, went ashore on the rocks during a fog near Portishcad. Five hundred excursionists who were aboard, were rescued.

LINER'S NARROW ESCAPE. NARROWLY MISSES THE SUEYIC'S FATE. Received 2nd, 11 p.m. London, April 2. A liner, during a dense fog, just escaped crushing into the Suevie.

SMALL STEAMER FOUNDERS. THE CREW SAFE. Per Press Association. Auckland, April 2. The small steamer Te Aroha, bound from Auckland to Waikato, foundered off Whangarei Heads on Tuesday night. The master and crew saved their effects, and landed at Marsden Point, reaching town to-night.