LOSS OF THE SUSSEX.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 919, 27 January 1872, Page 2

LOSS OF THE SUSSEX.

The first news of the wreck of the Sussex, reached Melbourne on July Ist. and thep.s. Challenge with alighter, was sent oil* to Barwon Heads, the scene of the wreck. It was the opinion of Captain Collard that his best plan was to seize this opportunity of getting oIT the passengers and crew, and thus quit the vessel. The latter was in a highly dangerous position; she was continually threatened by a Iremendous southern swell, and if it came on to blow, she must e;o to pieces. Accordingly the passengers and crew, and lastly himself, were taken off in

two of the ship's hoats. One of the Titan's was at first put into requisition, hut she was found too small. The lifeboat came from Queensland too late to he of service. The sea was too high, and the rollers too danperous, to attempt to get ashore, and so everyone was put on board the steamer. They took very little with them. The captain saved his papers, the crew their kits, and the passengers such luggage as they could lay they hands upon. As for the boxes in the hold, the water was, shortly after the ship struck, within two foot of the main deck, so that almost all lost their most valuable effects, which they left on board the ship, together with a general cargo worth £30,000,