The s.s. Rotomahana in a Hurricane.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3428, 24 November 1879, Page 2

The s.s. Rotomahana in a Hurricane.

A Sailor swept overboard and Drowned.

Harrow Escape of the Chief

Officer.

[By. Telbgbabh.]

(FliOK A COUBESrONBBNT).

Auckland, This day. 2.22 p.m.

Tho s.s. Rotomahann, 1727 tons, Thomas Underwood, master, with '60 saloon, and 80 steerage passengers, and 325 tons of cargo for all ports, arrived a* Russell at 1 p.m. on the 24th after a disastrous passage.

She left Sydney afc 8.15 a.m. on the 20ih instant, starting with a light south; west wind, which increased to a:gale toward noon, with a high sea ; after that it increased to hurricane force, with a tremendous sea; at 5.20 p.m. a heavy sea was shipped, smashing one boat, skylights, etc, and washing a sailor named Alexander McLellan overboardThe unfortunate man joined tho ship at Port Chalmers on the 6th of this month. The Chief Ofliccr, Mr Parsons, had a miraculous escape by the same sea. Again at 11.30 p.m., another heavy sea was shipped, smashing in the alter skylights, and washing a quantity of fruit overboard. The vessel behaved admirably throughout. The weather continued with unabating fury until the morning of the 22ad inst., when it moderated to a south-west gale, which lasted 24 hours; since then light southwest winds and 'line weather until arrival. During the heaviest of the storm tho ship was kept before the wind and sea, and she ran* 125 miles out of her course. At 11 20 p.m. ou tho 20th, she passed a ship supposed to be showing signals of distress, but owiug to the severe weather could not render any assistance.

List of saloon passengers for Auckland: —Mr and Mrs Gillies, J. H. Oolenian, H. White, J. H. Stewart, J. S. Wetson, Eworfc G. Kyndon, H. Tallerman, Albert White, J. Waymouth, Mr Bayley, Miss Deakin, Miss Oarandini, Mrs Middelton and two children, Mrs MuUcrdin, A. Watson, A. Bucklnnd. Mr Banks, Mr and Mrs Brookfiold, Ledward Millard, G. Gooch, Sherwin, Mrs Babor, and Madame Carandini. For Wellington—Dr Hector, Mr T. R. Elder, Wood, John McJPherson, A. G. Merriek, Collins, and Gunn. For Lyttelton—Mr J. Hay, Mr and Mrs Shaklor, Mr Hoach, Mr and Mrs Kemp, Mrnnd Mm P.Cunningham, Miss Wooci, and Miss Warning. 'ForDunedin— Master Berton, Mr aud MrsDymock and family (4), Mr Solomon, Mr McLean, Miss llaaell, Mr Bell and 80 steerage.