HORRIBLE TRAGEDY AT SEA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1681, 3 January 1888, Page 4

HORRIBLE TRAGEDY AT SEA.

' The Danish steamer" Morso arrived • at, Copenhagen on October 14, haying in tow the Russian schooner Johannes, which bias been the scene of a horrible tragedy. The Morso steaming westward in ' the Baltic Sea sighted the Russian vessel, which’was dying signal* of distress, > She at once'bore down upon the Johannes, but as she approached, it appeared to those on deck that the schooner was, deserted 3 and when the Morse's crew hjailed there was no sound in reply from the Vessel. The Danish captain then ; ordered a boat to bp lowered, and its orew pulled for the -Johanned and boarded her,' ; Aliwas still on board,' not a soul was : to be;seen. Before long, however, a manywas found lying badly founded in an obscure position, and it was discovered that he was the mate of the vessel. On further search a saildr was found securely tied with. wi,th ropes hand and foot, He appeared wild and savageinhis manner, and was consequently; kept under restraint. Bestoratives/Wire given to the mate, and on his recovery he told a strange and terrible, story. A day or two before the seaman then tied with ropee, had, in aflt of frenzy,, ran amuck amongst the orew, and bad slain right and loft. The captain and, five men composing .the orew had fallen victims .to his sudden attack, and, having all been butchered by the maniac, their bodies were thrown overboard .biy him. The mate, more fortunate than his comrades, had succeeded in overpowering his assailant, with whom he had a terrible struggle, sustaining serious wounds. . The Morse’s, crew, oh,hearing the story, Sept the murderer in . close custody, and brought the Russian ves'sel on to Copenhagen.