SHIP WITHOUT A CREW.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 July 1920, Page 10

SHIP WITHOUT A CREW.

UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL IN PORT. A weird story of the sea, which recalls tlie mystery of the Marie Celeste —the greatest of all sea mysteries — comes from Scilly. Soon after daybreak a three-masted fore-and-aft rigged schooner was seen in the north of the islands, near Shipman Head, Brighter Island. By her behaviour it was apparent she was in difficulties—probably derelict. On. being approached the -latter was found to be the case, and on boarding her the Brighter men were astonished, that, though every member of the crew had left, everything was in perfect ;order, and the ship was in no way damaged. All the sails were furled, and all the boats were on board, including a smart . motor launch. What can have happened to the* crew, or what caused, them to leave the ship is not known. As she was laden with wood, there could never have been any, danger of her sinking. The derelict, which has been brought to a safe anchorage, was tho Marion 6. Douglas. She was built in 1017, on the Fox Riv.er, N-S., and is owned by W: N Reirihardt. She is a valuable boat, and there will be a considerable amount of salvage money to divide among the Brighter men. It will bo recalled that the Marie Celeste was found in 1872, .abandoned on the high seas, in perfect condition and in perfect order, and yet there was not a soul on board. She had been abandoned with amazing haste, the breakfast of the captain and his wife and child having been left half-con-sumed. From that day to this nothing has been heard of any of those who were on board. Many theories Jiave been put forward from time to time, but they have all been disposed of, and it is unlikely, after such a lapse of time, that the mystery will ever be cleared up.