A TERRIBLE SCENE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2412, 24 December 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

A TERRIBLE SCENE.

A fearful scene was witnessed on Lake Superior, and is reported in advices just received :it Liverpool. During the recent gales which caused such terrible havoc to shipping on the American seaboard, the large .schooner Niagara, with 1,403 tons of ore on board, left Ashland in tow of tbe steam barge Australia. When off the Whitewash Point the tow-rope parted. The Niagara was then struck by a heavy sea and thrown on her beam ends. Those on board the barge were powerless to help tbe vessel or the poor p -ople on board. The next inslant the Niagara was in the trough ol the sea, and then with awful rapidity she appeared on the crest of a huge wave. A tremendous crash followed, and those on b-ird the barge beheld lbspars aud masts of the Niagara being burled on to the deck. Captain Clement and his crew were next seen endeavouring to cut away the wreckage. This was futile, and for safety the men went, into the cabin. A yawl boat on deck was then launched, and into itull of those onboard the Niagara scrambled. Tbe crew numbered )•"> bands, and besides these there were several friends of Captain Clement who were seeing him off. The ex ict number was not kno.ru. The small craft had only got a few yards off when a sea c.npsi/ >d if. The waves were fearful, and the unfortunate people could make no fight against them. Idle men were .seen struggling for tbiir lives aud crying for help, which could not be afforded them, Jn a few minutes nil instill save the roaring of the wind and waves. Nut one of those on buaid the Niagara was saved.