THE DISASTER TO THE S.S. ELBE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2772, 5 February 1895, Page 3

THE DISASTER TO THE S.S. ELBE.

Lokdon, Jan. 31. The captain and chief officer of the Elbe were drowned. It is reported that the collision was caused by the steamer Craithie, of Aberdeen, which was not afterwards seen by those on board the Elbe, and rendered no assistance whatever. She has since then returned to Rotterdam, with her stem badly injured. The Elbe sank in twenty minutes. The captain remained on the bridge issuing orders to the last. One boat which was got into the water swamped, and all the occupants were drowned except one lady who was dragged into another boat. The officers found it impossible to avert a panic. The women and children were ordered to leave their protectors and go to the starboard side of the vessel, but before they were able to reach the boats the Elbe sank, stern first. One boat with twenty occupants was picked up and carried to Lowestoft. Those in this boat had a terrible experience, and for five hours were almost frozen, owing to the severe weather. No first class passengers were saved and only fivo second-class, the remainder being officers and crew. It is feared that the second boat was swamped and all on board drowned.

Feb. 1

The Craithie is a steamer of 475 tons. The captain states that he stood by for two hours, but the survivors declare that he was miles away, otherwise many would have been saved.

Captain Gordon of the steamer Craithie, states that immediately after the collision he stopped and reversed the engines, and shortly afterwards continued on his course, supposing that the Elbe was safe. He was led to believe so, because she signalled that she did not require assistance. Repairs to the Craithie will occupy about five weeks. The Queen has wired to Germany stating that she is greatly distressed at the Elbe disaster, and enquiring whether there are any hopes of more survivors being found.

Feb. 2. The Germans arrested the officers and crew of the Craitbie at Rotterdam.

Wbiiinotox, Feb. 3

The a.B. Craithie, which rau down the Elbe, is privately owned, and does not belong to any line. She is held in G4ths by a number of gentlemen, and one of the shareholders, Mr Gregg, is at present on a visit to. Wellington.