WRECKS ON THE COAST OF TASMANIA.

West Coast Times, Issue 619, 18 September 1867, Page 2

WRECKS ON THE COAST OF TASMANIA.

TO THE EDITOR 05 THE MELBOURNE AP.GTT3.

Sir — Myself and two other seamen, belonging to the schooner Moyne, of Melbourne, wrecked on Pieman's River bar, on the southwest coast of Tasmania, on the Ist June last, were landed here yesterday by Captain Pallant, of the schooner Pat the Rover, to whom we are extremely grateful for his kindness in giving U3 a passage.after having been for eight days and nights exposed to the elements.in tho winter season, on a barren coast, and suffering severe hardship iv crossing several swollen creeks, on our second attempt to reach Circular Head, distant about ISO miles in a straight line by sea, but about three times as far by the beach, from the Pieman's River. I beg to report the fact that one man, named Frank Surrey, is still remaining at the river. He was afraid to join us in our second attempt, preferring to remain until finer weather, or to die, rather than encounter a repetition of tho hax'dships previously endured.

I left him with about 251 bof flour and 121 bof biscuit, and without anything else whatever to subsist upon, and as wo had no means to kill kangaroo or black swan, aud as there is no fish in the river, I know not what he will do unless some timely assistance is rendered to extricate him from his extremely perilous position. I annex an extract from my diary for your perusal. I have, &c, yours most respectfully, A. M'Dojtald, Late seaman schooner Movne.

Melbourne, Aug. 30.

"June 13, 1867. — The captain and three hands started for Circular Head, being tho only ones who had shoes, and wcro ablo to undertake the journey ; the others being bad from exposure on the rocks, trying to save the others fr.om the wreck. ,j^ " July 13. — The remaining four of lis started from Pieman's River, for Circular Head. After being out three nights and days and not being able to cross the rivers, we were obliged to bury oifr clothes in the sand, and go back again. " Aug. 13. — Three of us started again, one remaining behind, being afraid to proceed. Reached the place where our clothes wore buried, and walked three miles further, camping under the bush for the night. "Aug. 14. — Strong gales from tho westward with passing squalls. Walked until sundown, passing several large creeks. "Aug. 15. — Strong gales from the S.W., with heavy showers. Saw one wreck off tho beach, looking liko the wreck of a schooner. Camped about eight miles from the Arthur River. Passed three more largo creeks during the day.

"Aug. 1G. — Strong gales from tho S.W. Came to the Arthur River, and camped for tho night. Saw another wreck, supposed to bo a barque, by her yards and masts. " Aug. 17. — Strong gales from the westward. Each man made a raft for himself, and crossod the river Arthur in safety, the tido running out very faat. Walked cightcon miles this day, and camped for the night. " Sunday, Aug. 18. — Strong gales from N.W. with clear weather. Obliged to leave our blankets behind, they being wet anil too heavy

to carry. Reached Mount Cameron. Saw a shepherd's hut, and wo were heartily glad to get shelter for the night. "Aug. 19. — Staited again for the beach. Reached the Woolnorth Station, and, thank God, we found kind people, who gave us a fresh mess — the first we had had for three months — and a good bed. "Aug. 20.— Started again for tho beach. Walked eighteen miles this day. Very bad walking — up to our middle. At dark reached Mr Evans'fe, on Montague River. He was very kind to us, giving us lodging, and some old shoes.

"Aug. 21.— Saw a vessel off the Montague River. Stopped at the farm. Myself, M'Donald, and one of the farmers pulled off to the schooner (five miles), and Captain Pallant very kindly offered us all three a passage. " Aug. 22. — Left tho farm very sore-footed, and joined the schooner Pat the Rover."

[Wo may add that there appears to be four wrecks at the Pieman's, and two on the coast further north j besides which, theEO men passed the skeletons of three men on the beach, one of which was that of a blackfellow. — Ed.]

Tnn Supposed Wreck okf Cape Otway/ — Tho following letter appeared in the " Sydney Morning Herald" of the 31st ulfc.: — "Sir — Having reported in Adelaide that the vessel seen bottom up by the Coorong steamer, and another vessel was also seen from my vessel, I have had hosts of inquiries as to how she appeared, &c. Will you take a plain statement, to enlighten the publio on the matter, so far as lam capable ? Iv the first place, it was reported to me at daybreak by. my mate; the ship was going at a con-siderable-speed at the time, so that beforo I reached the dec&'jtkhad passed beyond my view — that really, ;i|iskvidually I did not sco it at all ; but Mr ;jis.nderson,; jis.nderson, my chief officer, felt certain tl\a'§»4iir was a dark substauce, similar to a vessel", bottom up. I also had a conversation with" .Mr Ashton, chief officer of the Coorong steamer (tho one that reported the same.) The coincidence was curious that he should have, also seen it about tho same time of day, being between the lights, and reported it to Captain M'Lean, in the same way as on board my vessel. Now, a great; portion of my ■ nautical experience was gained whaling, and I have many times seeu a similar appearance in a dead whale, which I now believe it to have been, and after blowing itself up to its greatest extent, burst and sank. What impresses my mind more firmly that it was as I suspect is, that in conversation with a master of another vessel, and at about the same time and place, he describing passing about Cape Nelson, and expecting shortly to make the Northumberland light, sighted an immense glare of light in a direction that confused him, not expecting to sco tho light thereabouts ; and, after a considerable study and confusion, determined to ascertain for a truth what this light must be, so steered direct for it. In nearing it, he imagined it was a ship on fire. He hailed ; the answer was, 'Wo are trying out.' This incident, at about tho same time and place, leads mo to suppose that the imaginary wreck was nothing more or less than lost spoil of the whaler on cruise. I trust I may be the means of allaying the public anxiety as to the supposed disaster, and my conclusion may be tho correct one. — Yours, &c, Hexiiy Seeltox, master ship Summer Cloud. August 30."

The efforts being made to raise the steamship Black Swan are progressing satisfactorily. The difficulties which it was anticipated would attend the passing of the chains under her hare not been insurmountable, and by the aid of tho steam-tugs Reliance and Titan a chain was passed under her ibrofoot yesterday. The floating docks, which aro to supply the lifting power, have been strengthened considerably, so as to fit them for sustaining the great weight they are intended to lift. The portions of the nia°ts and rigging which were left after the Australian drifted against her were cleared away yesterday. — Melbourne " Argus."